Gang of Four – What Happens Next

The departure of vocalist and arch-lyricist Jon King from Gang of Four in 2012 means many fans of the band will view What Happens Next with suspicion, regardless of its merits. Guitarist Andy Gill remains the only member from their Entertainment! post-punk glory days, and his decision to keep the band going – with the help of a variety of collaborators – is a brave one. But GOF were always keenly aware of the world changing around them, and the spirit of bringing in new faces has revitalised other bands.

Alison Mosshart of The Kills deftly handles single Broken Talks, which has the right bass 'n' drums groove to showcase Gill's famous choppy style of playing. But other tracks feel like they have been cut from a Gill side project. The lo-fi piano electro of The Dying Rays, featuring German musician Herbert Grönemeyer, is only really Gang of Four in name only. This is nevertheless a well-produced collection of modern guitar music, which deserves to rise above the cynicism.