Listen to New Order Song ‘Plastic’ From New Album: Second Single From ‘Music Complete’ is a club-ready anthem. 

New Order have just released ‘Plastic’, the second single from their upcoming album ‘Music Complete’ (due out Sept. 25th on Mute Records.)

And if their début single ‘Restless’ sounded, well, a tad weak, but ‘Plastic’ (mixed by Richard X) is definitely an improvement, with percolating dance rhythms and background vocals (from La Roux) that feels akin to their 1989 club-friendly album ‘Technique.’ You can give it a listen below:

While most New Order fans (myself included) have been anxious of a release without founding member and iconic bass player Peter Hook, ‘Plastic’ shows the most logical way forward in his absence, relying on electronic wizardry, the occasional jab of guitar and good vibes. The bass playing is definitely more subdued in Hook’s absence.

Likewise, the lyrics aren’t quite as cringe-worthy as past efforts from frontman Bernard Sumner. The chorus of “It’s official/ You’re fantastic/ You’re so special/ So iconic” may not set the world on fire, but it could be worse.

I’m not saying it will be enough to make it a classic New Order album, but it could still be a fun effort. I’m also very curious to hear the contributions from guest collaborators Iggy Pop and The Killers’ Brandon Flowers.  But I consider The Quietus to be a barometer of good taste, and their positive write-up of the new album has me cautiously optimistic.

But give ‘Plastic’ a listen and tell us your thoughts below. I’ll have an album review for ‘Music Complete’ up later next week.

You can pre-order New Order’s Music Complete via Amazon and iTunes below: