Top tracks — play these first
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A Panamanian Craze? — This lengthy track showcases the band's ability to weave intricate rhythms and dissonant melodies, creating an immersive listening experience that reflects their artistic experimentation. Its ambitious structure sets it apart as a centerpiece of the album.
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Safe — Opening with a brief yet impactful statement, this track encapsulates Wire's knack for brevity and intensity, delivering a punchy critique wrapped in infectious energy. Its concise format exemplifies the band's skill in making a strong impression in minimal time.
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The Spare One — In this track, the interplay between minimalist instrumentation and layered vocals creates a haunting atmosphere that underscores themes of isolation and introspection. It stands out for its emotional depth amidst the album's experimental palette.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive songwriting and production but has a somewhat uneven flow.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt shifts in melody and tempo, challenging traditional verse-chorus formats.
- The use of layered instrumentation creates a dense soundscape, with guitars and synths often intertwining to create complex textures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with peaks
- short bursts of intensity
- intricate explorations of themes
- wave-like pacing throughout
- ideal for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album challenges established structures and showcases an adventurous approach to songwriting.
- Career context
- By the time 'Turns and Strokes' was released in 1996, Wire had already established themselves as pioneers of the post-punk movement with their debut album 'Pink Flag' in 1977. The band experienced a resurgence in the early '90s, marked by a series of innovative releases that cemented their reputation as avant-garde musicians. This album continued their exploration of genre boundaries, showcasing a mature sound that reflected their evolution over nearly two decades.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gang of Four· The Fall· Television
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Safe 1:40
- 2 Lorries 4:09
- 3 A Panamanian Craze? 16:41
- 4 Remove for Improvement 1:57
- 5 The Spare One 3:07
- 6 Over My Head 4:18
- 7 12XU 2:08
- 8 Inventory 2:59
- 9 A Ritual View 2:52
- 10 Part of Our History 5:52
- 11 Second Length (Our Swimmer) 2:52
- 12 Catapult 30 5:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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