Spooky, psychedelic, synth-driven post-punk.

Despite obviously being influenced by post-punk guitar gods like Glenn Branc and Wire, Australia’s New War don’t use guitars, relying instead on pounding synths and complex, insistent percussion. The percussion throughout the album is extremely varied, from precise math rock drumset work (“Revealer,” “Hourglassed”) to dark, Marilyn Mansonesque grooves (“Black Site Cantos,” “Calling From the Inside”). The synths are, like the percussion, usually repetitive, with Chris Pugmire’s vocals matching the tone of the synths, which is either spooky (“Ghostwalking”), angry and frantic (“Slim Dandy”) or, at their best, both (“Wishlist”). Pugmire’s vocals waver between a soft, airy croon and a panicked, Ian Curtis freakout. Whether dark and slow or fast and brutal, New War’s sound is always a little unsettling with its pounding repetitions dramatic synths.

Important Note: “Josef’s Hands is silent between 8:15 and 18:20. I don’t know why they did that.

RIYL: Wire, Glenn Branca, Joy Division
Recommended Tracks: 3, 5, 8