Siren Records McHenry
3902 Main Street
McHenry, Illinois 60050
815-347-8363
SUMMER HOURS
MONDAY CLOSED
TUESDAY CLOSED
WEDNESDAY 11-6pm
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 4-8pm SOMETIMES LATER
SATURDAY 11-6
Sunday 11AM-4PM
Silver/Lead is the 15th studio album from musical pioneers Wire. It arrives on the 40th anniversary of their debut performance. Yet it's about as far from nostalgia as you could get. This is the sound of a uniquely addictive 21st century psychedelic post-punk. Colin Newman and Matt Simms' guitar work is alternately jagged and luminous, while bassist Graham Lewis's ear-catching lyrics are vivid yet oblique. Meanwhile, drummer Robert Grey provides a virtual masterclass in percussive minimalism. But it's how the various instruments mesh together that really counts. And Newman's production creates a sonic space in which even the smallest gesture is accorded some recognition. Highlights include the optimistic dazzle of 'Diamonds In Cups', with it's almost T. Rex-style buzz and chug, and the moody swing of 'This Time'. Elsewhere on the musical spectrum, there's the menacing widescreen grandeur of 'Playing Harp for the Fishes' and breakneck-paced guitar pop of 'Short Elevated Period'.