Ist Ist have always been dogged with Joy Division comparisons, and in fairness it would be downright irresponsible not to mention Curtis and co. as a reference point to help describe the Manchester post-punks' uncompromising sound. But it would be equally irresponsible not to emphasise that Ist Ist are very much their own band, one with a sound all their own which has crystallised into something truly spectacular on their debut full-length.
Put simply, Architecture is a towering achievement – no matter that more than half of the tracks have been released individually already this year, drip-fed to a fanbase mesmerised by the band ever since their first single dropped in 2017, this is a captivating collection of songs bundled not so much into a record as an experience. Ist Ist are capable of delivering transcendent moments which tap directly into the primal urge to listen to and make music; when 'Black' erupts into its thrilling middle section the band beat Interpol at their own game, and as 'Silence' bursts into its blistering chorus Peter Hook disappears entirely from the equation after casting his inimitable shadow over the unsettling basslines of the verse.
Put simply, Architecture is a towering achievement – no matter that more than half of the tracks have been released individually already this year, drip-fed to a fanbase mesmerised by the band ever since their first single dropped in 2017, this is a captivating collection of songs bundled not so much into a record as an experience. Ist Ist are capable of delivering transcendent moments which tap directly into the primal urge to listen to and make music; when 'Black' erupts into its thrilling middle section the band beat Interpol at their own game, and as 'Silence' bursts into its blistering chorus Peter Hook disappears entirely from the equation after casting his inimitable shadow over the unsettling basslines of the verse.
Elsewhere synths are pushed to the forefront – 'Drowning in the Shallow End' swirls and builds hauntingly and 'A New Love Song' inexorably channels Unknown Pleasures lynchpin 'New Dawn Fades' while opener 'Wolves' prowls in on an ominous bass sound before kicking off into a true cacophony. The track is a perfect showcase of the band's magnificently merciless approach to dynamic switches which more than justifies its release as a mission-statement first single from the album.
Second single 'You're Mine' is another wonderful standard-bearer for Architecture, an urgent, atmospheric showcase for Adam Houghton's deep, sombre vocals driven by a tangible self-belief and a swagger all their own – make no mistake, this is Ist Ist and nobody else, and they've just released one of the albums of the year...
Words - Joe Ponting