Debut studio album from London's punk originators Wire. Pink Flag was originally recorded in 1977 and would go on to have a huge influence on the punk and post-punk scene. It marked an abrupt turn from the punk cliches that had come to be embraced by bands like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. The sound is still stripped down and the songs go by in a flash, but the band delivers in unpredictable ways. The sound can be dissonant at times, but the minimalist compositions allow for plenty of interplay between the instruments. Songs are short and concise, delivering just what they need to and nothing more. Frontman Colin Newman's acerbic wit is let forth with plenty of rancor. Notable songs include: "Reuters," "Lowdown," "Mannequin," and "Three Girl Rhumba" who's guitar riff would go on to be lifted by Elastica for their 1994 Britpop hit, "Connection." Twenty-one tracks in all. Released by Pinkflag on black vinyl housed in a full color sleeve with a printed inner sleeve.

• printed inner sleeve
• music label: Pinkflag 2018

reviewed by ninetwofour 09/2018