WhoMadeWho follow up their exceptional 2011 Knee Deep EP with the promised album. While Knee Deep saw the band stretching their sound into more experimental territory, Brighter is tipped to feature more straightforward material. You know, the “tunes” album. This lead single is indeed streamlined and straight ahead, but is no less powerful for it.
You get two versions of “Inside World”. The original version is built on a robotic electronic pulse and rhythm that are very early New Order. Tense synthesizers, cryptic lyrics, and the near-chant of a chorus recall the edginess of Knee Deep, only in a more sing-along-friendly package. On the B-side, the “acoustic” version is not so much unplugged as it is less electronic, with guitar taking over for the synth and American expat John Grant taking over on vocals. If this is any indication, Brighter, out in late February, figures to impress.