History of Modern

A 2005 appearance on a German television program, followed by a tour -- throughout which the original four members performed 1981's in its entirety -- culminated in the first album since 1996 (and this particular quartet's first since 1986). , for the most part, sounds like . There are two exceptions: incorporates turntable scratching and guest vocalist , who interjects with lines from while is neo-electro sleaze, full of bedroom whispers, moans, and yearning yelps. Most updates to the group's sound are natural, while the placid ballad and the somehow cathartic and pensive rate with the earlier material. At its best, is to what : an inspired return from post-punk-turned-synth-pop greats. ~ Andy Kellman