Send

Released in 2003, Send marked a significant revitalization for Wire, effectively ending a period of relative dormancy with their most aggressive material since their 1970s inception. The album is largely a compilation of the Read & Burn EP series, showcasing a new 'machine-like' sonic identity. Colin Newman’s production reflects his 90s immersion in electronic music, specifically drawing from the 'dark' tonality of drum and bass to inform the album's distorted, high-compression guitar sound. This 'clash between rock and electronica' resulted in a record that felt contemporary rather than nostalgic. Critics widely hailed the album as a triumphant return, with Mojo and Metacritic noting its uncompromising intensity. By processing rehearsal room drums through digital editing, Wire achieved a hybrid sound that bridged the gap between post-punk and industrial rock, solidifying their status as perpetual innovators who treat the studio as their primary instrument.