Complicit

Released in 2018, Complicit represents a late-career pivot for Gang of Four under the primary direction of founding guitarist Andy Gill. While the band's 1979 debut Entertainment! defined the post-punk genre with its skeletal funk, Complicit embraces a more 'industrial-pop' aesthetic. The EP is overtly topical, specifically targeting the Trump administration and the intersection of celebrity and governance, most notably on the track 'Ivanka (Things You Can’t Have)'. Sonically, the record is characterized by heavy use of drum machines and digital processing, which serves to amplify the 'commodified' feel of the music - a recurring theme in Gill's lyrical philosophy. Critical reception noted the EP's sharp production and its attempt to reconcile the band's historical influence with the sounds of modern electronic music. It stands as one of the final statements from Gill before his passing in 2020, showcasing his enduring commitment to using the guitar as a rhythmic, non-melodic weapon.