Killing Joke

Killing Joke have persisted in one form or another for 30 years, but the band's original line-up were intact for only a few, until now. Absolute Dissent is a reunion, a rebirth and an anniversary celebration that's intensely current while also being an ode to the past and a glimpse into the future. The deep ideas running throughout won't surprise anyone familiar with this influential UK band: global politics, world-changing events and tributes to the dead are amongst the issues covered in minutes at a time, if you have an ear for what's being said (and sung). But just because they have strong opinions doesn't mean Killing Joke let ideology overcome their music, and it's the echo-y sonic power of Absolute Dissent that'll hit you first. Jaz Coleman's vocals are easily recognizable, but right behind them is a complex rhythmic infrastructure holding the songs together while propelling them forward. Deceptively straightforward, for the most part, the album has its twists as well, including the odd reggae groove and irresistibly danceable beat. The (post-)punk ethos is there, but this is heavy, intelligent rock, aggressive and insistent sometimes, but tempered by several laidback, reflective moments. And, in a way, it sounds like these four guys were never apart.