Review by Dom Vigil
Gang Of Four prove that they’re still a force to be reckoned with on Complicit, their first new material in three years. Only four songs in length, Complicit wastes no time getting right down to it, both sonically and lyrically. These tracks are politically charged and catchy as hell, from the thumping opener, “Lucky” to the nearly psychedelic “I’m A Liar.” Each song on the EP tells a story, but it’s not passive by any means – instead, it serves as a commentary on modern society delivered with a catchy beat that you can dance to. It’s so 2018, and in the best way possible.
“Lucky” spearheads the album with gritty, thumping bass, stunning vocals and a catchy chorus. Solidifying the theme of Complicit right away, “Lucky” touches on (you guessed it) luck and money – more specifically how those with the most money always seem to be the lucky ones.
While, “Lucky” isn’t very specific lyrically, the second track “Ivanka (Things You Can’t Have)” is, touching on the subject of the media, the white house and most importantly, the Trump family. Although it isn’t as hard-hitting as “Lucky” sonically, it is very pointed, weaving quotes from Ivanka and Donald Trump seamlesslyinto the lyrics throughout the reverb-heavy instrumentals.
Although it’s hard for any band to really solidify a theme or sound within a short EP, Gang Of Four make it feel easy with Complicit. Rounding things out with the timeless 10 O’Clock Chemical remix of “Lucky,” the EP feels perfect length-wise and really hits the nail on the head thematically. Somewhat haunting, a little groovy, and rounded out with a punk spirit, Complicit is the perfect release to hold listeners over until Gang Of Four’s next full-length.
LISTEN TO “Ivanka (Things You Can’t Have)”
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