New Wave UK

The term new wave was first used in the popular press in 1976 to describe Punk music. The definition was used to categorise bands that were not exactly punk but did relate to that genre of music.

Punk Music was a bit anarchic in its music, lyrics and production whereas New Wave was experimental, Lyrics with substance and the production was more finely tuned than Punk and for this it was deemed New Wave. Many bands were influenced by Punk but did not want to be associated with it!

New wave in the UK came to imply a less noisy raucous beat often synthesised and the term Post Punk was used to describe bands such as Gang of Four, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Joy Division.

Gang of Four were a band from Leeds who's debut album Entertainment made big impressions in the UK and America. This led to appearing on Radio one John Peel sessions which widened there appeal. following the success of the Peel sessions they released the single At home hes a tourist. The song had charted and were asked to appear on the national institute of Top of the Pops, however, they had to change some of the lyrics as were subversive. Consequently they refused and was banned by BBC radio and TV. As a result there record Label EMI also lost interest and the band were to go through personnel changes and eventually call it a day.

The Cure a band from Crawley, started in the 70's but came to prominence in the 80s as part of the New wave movement and later there lyrics and mood of music would pioneer the Gothic Rock Genre. After the release of the album Pornography this placed them firmly in the music conscience. The song Lovecats gained commercial interest as was there first top ten hit. Although they had a unique strange look, the band got more interest with the John Peel sessions and more commercial success followed in the UK and America. As the decade progressed there recordings were more upbeat with Just Like Heaven and Friday I'm in love.  Although they have gone through various personnel changes the band still remain active, Robert Smith the singer has remained as the figure head and the success of 13 albums being released still shows they are now regarded as one of the finest alternative bands.

Siouxsie and the Banshees were formed in London by Siouxsie Sioux and Steven Severin. They sold out many venues during there infancy period but had no record deal as they wanted complete control over everything as documented on the Old Grey whistle test appearance on the BBC. Eventually Polydor took the risk and the first single Hong Kong Garden hit the top 10. The albums quickly followed with The Scream and Join Hands in the late seventies. In the early eighties they started to experiment with drum machines and synthesisers in albums such as Kaleidoscope. The band had a few issues with personnel through personalities and addictions but they eventually called it a day in 1996. The biggest hit they had was a top 3 hit with a Beatles cover Dear Prudence.

Joy division were a band from Salford and they caught the attention of TV personality Tony Wilson who quickly signed them on his record Label Factory Records. They released the album Unknown Pleasures to critical acclaim which led to the John Peel Sessions and appearances on the Whistle Test. However the band were beset with issues mainly singer Ian Curtis who had bouts of depression and was diagnosed with epilepsy which would occur sometimes in concerts. On the eve of there maiden American tour Ian Curtis had committed suicide. The band released the album Closer and released the iconic single Love Will Tear us Apart, the music which has inspired many groups such as rock giants U2. following the death of Ian, the band reformed and became New Order who went onto even greater commercial success.

To sample the above bands please click on the bands name. Enjoy!

Gang of Four - At home he's a Tourist

The Cure - Lovecats

The Cure - Just Like Heaven

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Hong Kong Garden

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Dear Prudence

Joy Division - Love Will Tear us apart

Joy Division - Atmosphere

Recommended purchasing

The Cure - Pornography

Siouxsie and the Banshees -  Kaleidoscope

Gang of Four - Entertainment

Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures

Joy Division - Closer