Technique

by

New Order

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There's an awful lot of people out there who share my opinion that this is New Order's finest album, and with good reason. Technique is consistently superb from the first notes of Fine Time through the final fade out of Dream Attack. Its the soundtrack to that summer you've always dreamed of - basking on a sun soaked beach while the warm wind washes over you.

Fine Time starts things out - a slightly strange housy song that is none the less very catchy. "You're much too young - to be a part of me / You're much too young - to mess around with me" Mix in Barry White style deep vocals, Peter Hook's awe inspiring melodic bass, and even sheep sounds, and you've got a winning track that could only have come from New Order. 7.5 / 10

Next up is All The Way - New Order at their most upbeat and a tour de force of song writing prowess. Primarily an acoustic guitar driven number, with a touch of synths, Hook's bass and a very upbeat chorus - "It takes years to find the nerve to be apart from what you've done - to find the truth inside yourself and not depend on anyone". 9/10

The third track, Love Less, kicks things into a slightly lower gear following the high of All The Way. Again, guitar and bass driven, but more downtempo in a way that conveys melancholy without sounding sad as only New Order can. "Can't you see, why don't you look at me? Its not your right to be, so much my enemy..." 8.5 / 10

The most recognizable track on the album is the single Round & Round - simply a terrific track but probably the one track that might not fit in with the others on the album. Pop bliss, with bouncing, bubbly synth work meshing perfectly with Hooky's basslines and some of Bernard's most inspired lyrics. "I don't care about what you do, because if you mess with me I'll get rid of you." and "The picture you see is no portrait of me. Its to real to be shown to someone I don't know." Probably New Order's most overlooked single and one that should have had more chart success than it did. Simply sublime. 9.5 / 10

Guilty Partner takes us past the half way point of the album. Another slightly down tempo track, helping us to catch our breath after the high of Round & Round, subtly driven by Hooky's rather mellow bass playing, building to a gorgeous synth-line crescendo. "I'm not some kind of foolish lover, I couldn't take this from no other! You're not being cruel to me, cause I always know that you'll come back to me..." 8.5 / 10

Run - Starts to ratchet the tempo back up ever so slightly. New Order with an edge. "What the *hell* is happening?" Bernard asks. "I can't think of everything. I don't know what day it is, or who I'm talking to..." 8.5 / 10

Mr. Disco takes us into Technique's fantastic home stretch. "How can I ever forget you? You don't know, just what I've been through..." it starts, as the synths swirl in, out, and around Hooky's bass. "I can't find my piece of mind because I need you with me all of the time..." Orchestra hits and gorgeous synth work round things out. 9/10

Vanishing Point - One of New Order's true masterpieces, and personally one of my top 10 songs of all time. Heavily synth based with a touch of Hooky's bass, the lyrics are once again powerful and raw: "Grow up children, don't you suffer - at the hands of one another" - "My life ain't no holiday, I've been through the point of no return". A truely lush track that could never receive enough accolades. 10 / 10

Dream Attack - Technique closes out with a track that just oozes massive quantities of pure bliss. Guitar and drum based, Hooky's bass in a more traditional role, with electric pianos and synths thrown in for good measure. Things start out with a perfect opening verse "Nothing in this world could touch the music that I heard when I woke up this morning". But the song contains a completely perfect moment shortly thereafter as it hits a piano break with a simply gorgeously stunning melody. Again, one of my personal top 10 tracks of all time. 10 / 10

Pherhaps New Order`s more upbeat and danceable album, "Technique" stands as a good piece of late eighties pop. It shows that they were poignant percursors of the dance scene, delivering innovative and catchy songs that still have their appeal even if some years have passed already. It`s a dated record, sure, as one can easily identify the time period it came out, yet most of the songs are strong and still carry some freshness. The first track, "Fine Time", is a dazzling and addictive dance number, proving the band`s creativity and talent.

Bernard Summers` vocals are, as usual, one of the highpoints, making a perfect combination with the electronic-oriented soundscapes. Although it`s a worthwile record, "Technique" has a couple of moments that seem a bit too samey, so some diversity would be welcome.

A solid musical experience, nonetheless, and a fine effort from the MADchester dance scene.