THROWBACK THURSDAY: New Order – Doubts Even Here [November 1981]
“Those steps which seem to take a lifetime
When eyes just turn and stare
Day begins, collapsing without warning
You fade from sight, there’s nothing there”
This week (13 October to be exact) marks the 37th anniversary of the release of Movement, arguably New Order’s darkest long player, as it was recorded in the wake of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis’ death in the summer of 1980.
909originals was reminded of this fact by music chronicler Dave Haslam, who tweeted the other day that the minimalist artwork on Movement was inspired by a 1932 poster by Italian artist Fortunato Depero, one of the main protagonists in the emergence of Futurism after the First World War.
13 November #OTD 1981 New Order released the album 'Movement'. The Peter Saville sleeve was inspired by a poster designed by Fortunato Depero for an art exhibition in Italy in 1932. pic.twitter.com/qDaxkmxrbg
— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) November 13, 2018
Somewhat apt, therefore, for a group seeking its own future direction after the loss of their key frontman.
Arguably the standout track on Movement is Doubts Even Here, the penultimate track on Side B, which features both hints of Curtis (Peter Hook is on vocal duties, as opposed to Bernard Sumner), and the synth-led odyssey New Order were about to embark on, with a barrage of electronic percussion opening the track, followed by a lonely synth.
Even newly-appointed bandmember Gillian Gilbert even gets a role to play, reciting a spoken word refrain as the Martin Hannett-produced track comes to a close.
It’s a snapshot of a band in transition, and indeed a record label… while Movement was given Factory Records catalogue number 50, number 51 was an altogether different proposition: The Hacienda.
[Kudos to pcindarellie for the YouTube upload]
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