Wire

For a portion of Wire fans, the seminal UK post-punk trailblazers' career begins with 1977's Pink Flag and ends with 1979's 154. But the fact that they went on to release such gems as A Bell is a Cup… Until it is Struck and Object 47 proves that Wire are much more than just hipster relics. Their 12th LP, Red Barked Tree, shows a band willing to expand their sound, with songs like "Two Minutes" and "Moreover" still flexing their muscles, while Colin Newman's guitar playing has become more lean than bulky. Most of the album chugs forward as expected, once again smoothed-out by Newman's connoisseur production and chopped vocal rhythms. The use of synthesizer and feedback remain delicate and the lyrical content is as clever and fully realized as ever. With Red Barked Tree, Wire have delivered another classic that holds its own with their holy trinity of late '70s releases. What's the opposite of "resting on your laurels"?