Album Mini-review: Gang of Four — Live … in the Moment
File next to: Wire, Mission of Burma
This Leeds group is often cited as a punk pioneer; with its original lineup, the Leeds, England quartet explored and pushed beyond the limits of punk. Like the Clash, Gang of Four seamlessly added strong elements of funk and dub reggae into the mix, but the resulting sound was wholly original (and not at all like the Clash). After four albums, the lineup frayed, and though the original foursome reunited for a time in the early ’00s, the current configuration features but one founding member, guitarist Andy Gill. The new lineup cut 2015’s What Happens Next, in which they moved a bit toward industrial textures. But despite the changes, the group’s latest album – a live set that spotlights newer tunes plus favorites from the Gang of Four catalog – shows that nearly 40 years after their debut, the Gang’s (still) all here.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.