Githead - Art Pop

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 8 / 5 / 2007

Label: Swim
Format: CD

Superb second album of contemporary new wave, under his moniker of Githead, for Wire vocalist, Colin Newman

Review

It's always great to hear the voice of Colin Newman, the vocalist for Wire, even when it's highly improbable that he will ever match again the momentum manifested in history by Wire's first few records. Yet 'Art Pop', his second album on Swim Records under the Githead moniker, displays itself as a mature collection of contemporary new wave with roots in mid 1980's pop music. The bass guitar on it sounds exactly like how back then new wave farmers used to plough the lands of snares. Githead may as well now even appeal to lovers of blues music. Githead do have a good go at playing loud and fast tracks though, not new rave - twenty to thirty years ago they did something very similar when they were young and not so innocent perhaps. But Newman's pamphlet styled vocals receive tremendous support from his backing band in 'Drive By' and this track is an absolute treat. 'Space Life' is another winning track. To a certain extent, 'Art Pop' is a timeless release; it might have been released eight years earlier. Githead is a genuine band with a highly profilic frontman. If it were up to me, it would be filed next to New Order.