New Order are to release ‘Live At The London Troxy’ a double album of their recent reunion show. To the dismay of New Order veterans, bassist Peter Hook is absent from this performance (it appears he and vocalist Bernard Sumner are still at odds with each other). However, Sumner is still equipped with his old mates Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, as well as newcomer Phil Cunningham from Bernard’s other project, Bad Lieutenant. Is the band on par after an indefinite hiatus and no new material? Absolutely.
The band is top-notch. Each instrument is crystal clear and competent while ripping through old favorites like “Age of Consent,” “1963,” “Bizarre Love Triangle” “The Perfect Kiss,” and the nearly 10-minute performance of “Temptation,” with occasional banter from Sumner in between the songs. The spirit of old synthesizer and electronic-infused post-punk is still alive and kicking within each note and vocal performance. The haunting intro of Low-Life‘s “Elegia” and the soaring string keys on Waiting for the Siren’s Call’s “Krafty” amplify the atmosphere and magic of the performance. The live drums in place of programming succeeds in not taking away but rather adding to the songs, enhancing them with a more organic and real sound.The set is concluded with a rendition of “Love Will Tears Us Apart,” a tune from the old Joy Division days that is just as haunting and harrowing with Sumner on vocals as it was when being crooned by the late, legendary Ian Curtis. It is a fitting end to what is easily an ideal New Order set—catchy, danceable, melodic, light-hearted, and filled to the brim with fantastic songs. It is remarkable how a band this old can still give 100% to a lengthy set. Past their prime they are not.