Written concurrently with last yearÔÇÖs ÔÇÿRewind the FilmÔÇÖ, itÔÇÖs more accurate to describe ÔÇÿFuturologyÔÇÖ as a counterpart than a follow-up to SeptemberÔÇÖs acoustic reflection on middle age. Indeed, a lot of the songs here give a comforting feel in contrast to the heartbreaking moments of ÔÇÿRewind the FilmÔÇÖ.
The opening title track bubbles through its verses until a soothing Nicky Wire vocal ÔÇ£one day we will return no matter how much it hurtsÔÇØ rolls over the song and guides us to lead single ÔÇÿWalk Me to the BridgeÔÇÖ. Starting with menacing guitars, James Dean BradfieldÔÇÖs voice prowls along until the band spring into life, ÔÇ£I reimagine the steps you took, still blinded by your intellectÔÇØ. Its euphoric, a self-described ÔÇ£classic Manics singleÔÇØ and the standout of the album.
From here the record alternates between the krautrock influence of ÔÇÿLetÔÇÖs Go To WarÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿEuropa Geht Durch MichtÔÇÖ (featuring a jarring barked German verse by actress Nina Hoss) and more melodic tracks ÔÇÿNext Jet To Leave MoscowÔÇÖ and the airy ÔÇÿDivine YouthÔÇÖ. Musically the Manics are inspired, with Beatles-esque harmonies on ÔÇÿBetween the Clock and the BedÔÇÖ and a disco bassline on instrumental ÔÇÿHughseovkaÔÇÖ.
Lyrically the album sees Wire indulging in self-parody ÔÇ£So you played in Cuba, did you like it brother? I bet you felt proud, you silly little fuckerÔÇØ, technology ÔÇ£Upload your future, download your pastÔÇØ, and money ÔÇ£it just buys a new way to disguise a freedom you donÔÇÖt own anymoreÔÇØ. ÔÇÿThe View from Stow HillÔÇÖ, a lament about the stagnation of Newport, is frustratingly let down by its social media references; the thoughtfulness of this bands music is normally an escape from exactly that kind of tedium. ÔÇÿMayakovksyÔÇÖ is a welcome blast of instrumental energy to ensure the album doesnÔÇÖt end on a duff note.
Some early reports were eager to brand this record ÔÇ£the Holy Bible part IIÔÇØ but, despite a few musical nods to their 1994 cult favourite, itÔÇÖs a disservice to the band to look back as they drive forward. The title ÔÇÿFuturologyÔÇÖ is no coincidence.