Description
New Order – Movement – Vinyl Record
New Order’s Movement (1981) is the debut album from the English band, marking a pivotal moment in the transition from Joy Division to New Order after the tragic death of lead singer Ian Curtis. Released just over a year after Curtis’ passing, Movement reflects the emotional weight carried by the remaining members—Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and newly joined Gillian Gilbert—as they sought to redefine their sound while still grappling with the legacy of Joy Division. The album blends post-punk melancholy with emerging elements of synth-pop and electronic music, laying the foundation for the groundbreaking sound that New Order would come to perfect in later releases.
While Movement did not initially receive the same critical acclaim as the band’s later works, it is now regarded as an important and introspective record, bridging the dark, introspective sound of Joy Division with the more electronic, dance-oriented music that would define New Order’s future.
Movement is deeply influenced by the post-punk sound that characterized Joy Division. The album features many of the same hallmarks: Peter Hook’s melodic basslines, Stephen Morris’s tight, rhythmic drumming, and atmospheric, somber guitar work. The overall tone is bleak and introspective, capturing the sense of mourning and transition the band was experiencing.
Though the album is steeped in post-punk darkness, hints of New Order’s future, more electronic direction begin to emerge. Synthesizers and sequencers, especially on tracks like “Truth” and “ICB,” add a layer of texture and suggest the band’s growing interest in synth-pop and dance music, which would later become dominant in their sound.
The album’s production, handled by Martin Hannett (who also worked on Joy Division’s albums), is atmospheric and dense, with a sense of space and isolation. This gives the music a haunting, otherworldly quality, especially on slower, more introspective tracks.
Key Tracks
“Dreams Never End”: The album opens with this upbeat yet melancholic track, featuring Peter Hook on lead vocals. The driving bassline, jangly guitars, and fast-paced drumming give it a sense of urgency, but the lyrics convey a feeling of loss and uncertainty. It’s one of the more energetic songs on the album and a bridge between Joy Division’s sound and New Order’s evolving style.
“Truth”: One of the first tracks to feature prominent electronic elements, “Truth” is a minimalist, synth-heavy song that foreshadows New Order’s future explorations in dance music. The mechanical rhythm and sparse instrumentation create an eerie, cold atmosphere, with Sumner’s distant vocals adding to the sense of alienation.
“ICB”: Short for “Ian Curtis Buried,” “ICB” is a haunting tribute to their late frontman. With its heavy, brooding bassline and atmospheric synths, the song reflects the emotional weight of the album, with Sumner’s restrained vocal delivery adding to the track’s somber tone.
“Senses”: This track features a blend of post-punk guitars and synth textures, making it one of the more dynamic songs on the album. The lyrics are cryptic and introspective, with Sumner’s detached vocals floating over the dark, moody instrumentation.
“The Him”: One of the darker and more Joy Division-esque tracks on the album, “The Him” is driven by a slow, brooding rhythm and deep, atmospheric production. The lyrics and tone suggest themes of mourning and reflection, making it one of the most emotionally charged songs on Movement.
Much of Movement deals with the band’s attempt to cope with the loss of Ian Curtis and the uncertainty of their new identity as New Order. The album reflects a deep sense of mourning, confusion, and introspection. Tracks like “ICB” and “The Him” directly address themes of loss and tribute, while others reflect a more general feeling of alienation and disillusionment.
The lyrics throughout Movement suggest a band still searching for its voice, both musically and lyrically. Bernard Sumner, who took over vocal duties, often sounds unsure and hesitant, and this mirrors the band’s struggle to move forward without their iconic frontman. Songs like “Truth” and “Senses” convey a sense of emotional distance and introspection.
Continuing the themes of loneliness and isolation explored in Joy Division’s work, Movement conveys a feeling of emotional detachment. The sparse arrangements, melancholy melodies, and somber vocal delivery all contribute to the sense of alienation that runs throughout the album.
As in Joy Division, Peter Hook’s basslines take on a central role in New Order’s sound on Movement. His high-register playing on songs like “Dreams Never End” and “ICB” drives the music forward and provides a melodic backbone to the songs. Sumner’s vocals are one of the most distinctive elements of Movement. Unlike Ian Curtis’s deep, commanding voice, Sumner’s vocals are more fragile and detached, contributing to the album’s sense of uncertainty and introspection. His vocal style would evolve significantly in later albums, but here, it reflects the band’s transitional phase.
While not as dominant as they would become in later releases, synthesizers and drum machines are subtly introduced on Movement, particularly on tracks like “Truth” and “Senses.” These elements hint at the band’s growing interest in electronic music, which would fully flourish on albums like Power, Corruption & Lies and Low-Life.
Movement is often seen as the bridge between the post-punk sound of Joy Division and the more electronic, dance-oriented music that New Order would later embrace. It represents a band in transition, experimenting with new sounds while still dealing with the shadow of their past.
Initially, Movement was met with mixed reviews, with some critics comparing it unfavorably to Joy Division’s work. However, over time, it has gained appreciation for its emotional depth and the way it foreshadows New Order’s later success. Many now view it as a crucial, if somewhat underrated, entry in the band’s discography.
While Movement may not have had the immediate impact of New Order’s later albums, it helped set the stage for the fusion of post-punk and electronic music that would become a defining feature of the 1980s. Its influence can be seen in bands that blended dark, introspective themes with emerging electronic music technologies.
Movement by New Order is a deeply introspective album that captures a band in the midst of grief, transition, and artistic exploration. While the album is steeped in the post-punk legacy of Joy Division, it also hints at the more electronic, danceable sound that New Order would later perfect. With its somber atmosphere, minimalist production, and emotional depth, Movement stands as a key moment in the evolution of both the band and the wider post-punk genre. Though initially overshadowed by the success of New Order’s later work, Movement has gained respect for its raw, haunting beauty and its role in shaping the future of alternative music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Dreams Never End
Truth
Senses
Chosen Time
ICB
The Him
Doubts Even Here
Denial
