Wire - “Mannequin”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Gang of Four, The Fall, Minutemen

For over four decades, Wire has maintained a prolific pace of album releases, with their 17th studio album out in 2020. Emerging alongside the late 70’s punk-rock scene, Wire incorporates minimalist instrumentation while refusing to embrace elementary songwriting. Their longevity is due, in part, to the rejection of the mainstream punk blueprint and their lack of relying on stage theatrics. While listening to their discography, you’ll hear everything from the precise staccato strumming of the Talking Heads, to the guitar twang of Minutemen, and the fast-paced bar chord changes of The Ramones. Wire often tinkers with unorthodox song structures, crafting tension and exercising their restraint. But don’t restrain yourself from seeing these veterans if you get the chance. (Drew Doggett)