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Released in 1986, this was the Orders fourth album, and the follow up to the previous years critically acclaimed triumph,
Low Life. Following the success this album had enjoyed, the band had set themselves a very high standard to live up to, and
in essence, Brotherhood plies more of the same trade without breaking any real boundaries.
That said, it does provide
its listener with a selection of enjoyable tracks, including two strong singles, "State Of The Nation" and the classic
"Bizarre Love Triangle" - the latter probably the most synth-oriented track on the album, a complicated mixture
of feelgood keyboard riffs, high-NRG percussion and that killer melody, one of the best examples of how effectively New Order
are capable of interweaving many different parts together to make one whole piece, without making it too puzzling on the ear.
Brotherhood kicks off with the driving, energetic strut that is "Paradise", a promising start to the LP,
but the following track, "Weirdo", is arguably weaker, and track three, "As It Is When It Was", is simply
a filler, too heavy on the tiresome acoustic guitars, and totally devoid of any dynamism or hook.
"Broken
Promise" is more of a piece - fast and furious, with gutsy determination that harks back even as far as the early days
of Warsaw. This retrospective theme is continued on "Way Of Life", the last four bars of which are directly lifted
from "Love Will Tear Us Apart", the rest of which is affable, typical Order, with bass to die for and a chorus which,
once it has entered your head, you will find it difficult to dispose of.
"All Day Long" takes a few
listens, but persevere and it will become less of a tiresome dirge and more musical. Synthesizers, used sparingly oin this
album, are back in force on "Angel Dust", a danceable and angry track on which guitars and sequencers are in perfect,
vitriolic harmony.
It is followed by "Every Little Counts", on which the mood is lightened when Sumner
falls into a fit of giggles attempting to keep a straight face through the dubious lyric: "Every second counts / When
I am with you / I think you are a pig / You should be in a zoo." The rest of this track is a pacific, unhurried joy to
listen to, being enveloped towards the end by a massive synthscape, best heard through earphones, completely gorgeous and
one of the reasons why Brotherhood is such an intriguing collection. The grand finale, "State Of The Nation", mixes
an upfront lyric with an intelligent keyboard riff and some breathtaking guitar work - although the b-side version on the
12" single, "Shame Of The Nation", showcases a much deeper synth sound and soulful backing vocals not in evidence
on the original.
As a whole, Brotherhood is not a patch on the thrills of Low Life, but it far surpasses most
peoples expectations of how the band would follow up such a work. I would certainly not recommend it as an introduction to
New Order - this LP is best listened to once you are familiar with the quirks and contradictions within the band's sound,
but the tracks "Paradise", "Angel Dust", "Every Little Counts", and the singles, are unmissable.
Give this album a chance, a few listens, and it is a piece in its own right.
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