Although New Order hadn't really found their sound yet (however, non-album tracks like 'Temptation' held big hints of the future, with danceable electro rhythms driving the song), it ends up making Movement stronger. The clinging to the past juxtaposed against the small adjustments in sound, left the album in a unique and distinctive place in the bands stellar catalogue, sounding unlike anything else they'd do in the eighties. Movement is a challenging listen because of two main reasons; the first being the unfortunate context surrounding the band at this time, and the second being the music itself, and the fact it doesn't really sound like the New Order most are familiar with. But artistically, this is why it, appositionally, stands up as a rather brilliant album - simultaneously being a suitably grim and moody funeral hymn, and a subtle step in a different sonic direction. It's cold, unnerving atmosphere isn't easy to warm to, but for those willing to appreciate the album for its necessity in the bands history, 'Movement' has more to enjoy than may seem apparent on the surface. New Order needed to release some of the anguish and sorrow inside of them before they could move on, and 'Movement' builds the necessary atmosphere for them to bid farewell to the tragic past, and for Joy Division fans to do the same, should they wish to be part of the procession, themselves.
2 Bumps | Bump |
