It is Ian Curtis who symbolises Joy Division, even though one 
can hardly believe that he tries to. Curtis may project 
like an ambidextrous barman puging his physical hang-ups, but 
the 'gothic dance music' he orchestrates is well-understood by 
those who recognise their New Wave frontiersmen and know how to
dance the Joy Division!
  A theatrical sense of timing, controlled improvisation 
(allowing for apparently arbritary into-length), intelligent
decibel-variation and good ol' fashioned distortion (unintended
or otherwise) are the sum total of Joy Division's secret, as 
evinced on 'Disorder', 'Living In The Ice Age' and 'Shadowplay'
- the latter liberating the LA Woman (not to mention the 
Heineken) in Curtis.
  The anguished singer had achieved total physical self-
expression by the climax of 'She's Lost Control', and, evidently
having lost control, he was helped offstage at the conclusion of
a set which, for practical reasons, could not be extended.
  The Buzzcocks had to pretty hot to follow that, and a lot of
people thought they were.
					           DES MOINES	
        

Back to Joy Division/New Order

Back to Contents