Wire

Released in 2015, Wire's self-titled fourteenth album serves as a definitive statement of their modern identity. Following the departure of guitarist Bruce Gilbert years prior, the lineup of Newman, Lewis, and Grey (with Matthew Simms) had fully gelled into a unit capable of balancing their experimental roots with a newfound melodic accessibility. The album is notable for its 'econo' approach to songwriting, where tracks like 'Joust & Jostle' clock in at just over two minutes, yet feel entirely complete. Conversely, the album bookends its shorter tracks with expansive pieces like 'Sleep-Walking' and the crushing finale 'Harpooned,' the latter of which became a live staple known for its overwhelming volume and density. Critics noted the album's 'pop' sensibilities, though always through the distorted lens of Wire's art-school aesthetics. It stands as one of the strongest entries in their late-career discography, proving their continued relevance in a genre they helped invent.