When post-punk game-makers Wire formed in 1976, they were nothing short of sensational, quickly smashing out three astonishing albums that dominated British rock music and changed the face of punk.
Fast forward almost four decades however, and you’d struggle to realise Change Becomes Us was written by anyone other than a group of bored teenagers mucking around in their parents’ garage.
Maybe that’s exactly what they’re going for; the old school Londoners had every intention of taking it back to their roots with this record and embracing the time in their career when their creativity was at an all-time high, with only lifestyle choices and lack of motivation standing in the way of creating the ever elusive One Great Punk Album.
Unfortunately, Change Becomes Us just isn’t that. Unless heard by a devoted fan, it’s doubtful this record would be labelled ‘punk’ at all. It’s a good album, but it’s not an exciting one. It’s pleasant to the ears, but not memorable… It’s pretty decent music, but nothing spectacular.
‘Stealth Of A Stork’ has recognisable punk undertones, however the energy of the entire record is still sadly lacking. Power chords and early gang-style vocals stick out as reminiscent of their strong past, but it’s the tone that really kills it on this one.
Most, if not all punk rockers end up slowing it down in their later musical careers, and that’s fine, but maybe for album number 14, Wire might step their game up in terms of putting out music with a bit of a punch.
