Recorded in the wake of various solo side projects by the band members, the shuddering state of Factory Records and the Hacienda nightclub and especially the burning tensions between Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook in particular, it’s almost surprising that Republic even exists. But it’s a striking if inadvertent farewell to their highest commercial profile in turn, with the stellar “Regret” being another classic single, while “World” and “Ruined in a Day” found the band shifting just a touch into easy going veteran status with aplomb and, as ever, good beats.

– Ned Raggett