It’s almost inconceivable that nearly 40 years after the release of Unknown Pleasures, New Order would made one of the most vibrant and consistently brilliant albums of their career. Bass Viking Hooky was out, but other than rockier opener “Restless,” with its familiar low-end rumble, you can’t imagine how he would have either fitted in, or even countenanced, some of the more deliriously dancefloor-friendly numbers here. “Singularity” is laser-precision techno rock with the emphasis very firmly on the techno, “People On The High Line” is an italo-disco take on Chic, while the elastic, blissful “Tutti Frutti” sounds closer to Pet Shop Boys or even Frankie Goes To Hollywood and features co-vocals from flame-haired pop star La Roux. Elsewhere, Iggy Pop and The Killers’ Brandon Flowers make appearances, but the real star of the show is the enduring genius of New Order. Or at least, its three remaining members.

– Chris Catchpole