Gang of Four (Photo by Leo Cacket)
Legendary post-punks Gang of Four will release a new album, Happy Now, on March 29. Prior to that, guitarist Andy Gill and his crew will perform at U Street Music Hall on Thursday, Feb. 21.
Gang of Four recently dropped “Paper Thin,” the first single from the record, and it provides a synthesis between the classic Gang of Four so loved by a generation of fans as well as a forward pop touch, sure to entice new listeners.
“We have short memories, maybe the world has not changed so much. Polarization is not new. We had an idea that we moved forward with; but now it’s crumbled and turned to dust. What was solid is now Paper Thin. Once, we could shut the door but we can no longer, the outside world will get to us, constantly, all the time,” Andy said in a statement. Gang of Four includes founder Andy, bassist Thomas McNeice, and vocalist John “Gaoler” Sterry.
Watch the official music video for “Paper Thin” by Gang of Four on YouTube:
In a review of Gang of Four’s Live… In the Moment (2015) for Spill magazine, Michelle Nati said the live power of Gang of Four still thrills.
“The rhythm section of bassist Thomas McNeice and powerhouse drummer Jon Finnigan stays on point, and the duo round out the group nicely, but the driving force here is still Gill, whose guitar playing and vocals have lost none of that frenetic energy displayed in the band’s early days. In other words, Gang of Four continues to trump its many imitators, original lineup notwithstanding — its playing and songs are just that good,” Michelle said.
Gang of Four
U Street Music Hall
Thursday, Feb. 21
Doors @ 6:30pm
$25
All ages