Clinic’s New Album: A Defiant Dance Against the Mainstream
There’s something undeniably thrilling about a band that refuses to play by the rules, especially in an era where music often feels homogenized. Clinic, the Liverpool art punk duo now pared down to Ade Blackburn and Jonathan Hartley, have just announced their 10th studio album, Wild In The Streets, and it’s a reminder of why they’ve always been a step ahead of the curve. The lead single, “You And I,” dropped today, and it’s a zany, propulsive track that feels both nostalgic and utterly fresh. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the band’s unwavering commitment to their artistic vision—a vision that’s always run counter to the mainstream.
The Art of Running in the Opposite Direction
Blackburn’s statement that they’ve “always run in the opposite direction to what’s happening” isn’t just a catchy soundbite; it’s the core of Clinic’s identity. In an industry obsessed with trends, they’ve carved out a space where experimentation reigns supreme. Personally, I think this defiance is what keeps their music so vital. While other bands might chase the latest sound, Clinic seems to delight in subverting expectations. Take “You And I”—it’s a track that feels both familiar and alien, a testament to their ability to blend influences without losing their edge.
Exotica, Dub Reggae, and the Strange Undercurrents
One thing that immediately stands out is Blackburn’s mention of exotica, a genre often dismissed as easy listening. But what many people don’t realize is that exotica, with its colorful percussion and lush arrangements, has a strange, almost surreal quality. Clinic’s fascination with artists like Martin Denny and Les Baxter isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s a way of uncovering the genre’s hidden depths. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a band that’s always been drawn to the undercurrents, the parts of music that linger just below the surface.
Their incorporation of dub reggae and Cabaret Voltaire adds another layer of complexity. Dub’s spaciousness and Cabaret Voltaire’s industrial edge seem like odd bedfellows, but Clinic makes it work. What this really suggests is that their creative process isn’t about fusion for fusion’s sake—it’s about finding the emotional core of disparate genres and weaving them into something entirely their own.
The Pursuit of Propulsion
A detail that I find especially interesting is Blackburn’s emphasis on “propulsion.” For many of the songs on Wild In The Streets, they’ve stripped away entire verses to keep the momentum going. This isn’t just a technical choice; it’s a philosophical one. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, Clinic seems to be asking: What’s the essence of a song? How much can you strip away before it loses its soul?
This raises a deeper question about the nature of music itself. Is it about structure, or is it about feeling? Clinic’s approach leans heavily into the latter, and it’s a refreshing departure from the formulaic songwriting that dominates much of modern music.
Looking Ahead: What Wild In The Streets Means for Clinic’s Legacy
As someone who’s followed Clinic’s career, I can’t help but wonder where this album fits into their broader legacy. With just two members now, the band is leaner, but their sound feels as expansive as ever. From my perspective, Wild In The Streets could be a turning point—a record that solidifies their place as one of the most innovative bands of their generation.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the timing. In an era where nostalgia often overshadows innovation, Clinic is doubling down on their experimental roots. This isn’t just a new album; it’s a statement. A reminder that music can still be daring, still be unpredictable, still be wild.
Final Thoughts
As I listen to “You And I” on repeat, I’m struck by how Clinic continues to evolve while staying true to themselves. This album isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a manifesto. A declaration that art, at its best, should challenge, provoke, and inspire. Personally, I think Wild In The Streets is going to be one of the most talked-about records of the year, not just for its sound, but for the conversations it sparks.
If you’re someone who craves music that pushes boundaries, this is an album you won’t want to miss. And if you’re not already a Clinic fan, well, this might just be the record that changes your mind. Because in a world that often feels predictable, Clinic remains gloriously, defiantly unpredictable.
Wild In The Streets is out October 30th via Domino. Pre-order it, turn it up loud, and let Clinic remind you what it means to be truly wild.
