Tue 3/10 @ 8:30PM
Gang of Four, formed in 1977, were one of an influential wave of post-punk bands: bands which grew out of the freedom offered by punk rock but who re-imagined rock music in ways that went beyond slashing and screaming.
Gang of Four stripped down their sound to its essential elements with an emphasis on rhythms that had a dry, clinical feel, a terse, denatured funk. The music was accompanied by lyrics attacking social mores and politics in oblique, clever ways. Their influence was incalculable.
Like a lot of bands from that time, the band has had a number of comebacks and restarts since its early version called it quits in 1983. The only member of the original lineup today is guitarist Andy Gill; all the others joined in 2008 or later. Its current reformation has been accompanied by a new album, What Happens Next, and a tour which arrives at the Grog Shop this week. Public Access TV opens.
Tickets are $25.