Rocktrospectiva: New Order's Conceptual Danceable Masterpiece "Brotherhood" Turns 40

 

Released on 29 September 1986, "Brotherhood" was the 4th., studio album by the English rock band New Order, released on 29 September 1986 by Factory Records. It contains a mixture of post-punk and electronic styles, roughly divided between the two sides. The album includes "Bizarre Love Triangle", the band's breakthrough single in the United States and Australia; it was the only track from the album released as a single and as a video (although "State of the Nation" was added to most CD editions).

The album sleeve, created by Peter Saville, is a photograph of a sheet of titanium–zinc alloy. Some early releases came in a metallic sleeve.

As for the album's sound, it explored post-punk and electronica blended with rock and disco, creating a vibe that bordered on the schizophrenic: synthesizers dominated one side of the spectrum while the other was given over entirely to guitars—a contrast evident throughout the record. There was the sonic frenzy of "Every Little Counts," while "All Day Long" revealed the curious influence of Richard Wagner (a track the band would later use to open their concerts). 

The flawless "Bizarre Love Triangle" was the main a gem—a synth-pop classic—though, interestingly, the song failed to crack the Top 40 in either the UK or the US despite its outstanding quality. Its music video, directed by Robert Longo, enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV and remains a cult classic in every sense. 

Then there was "State of the Nation," clearly a protest song, and the playful "Every Little Counts." The album received generally favorable reviews for the sound they achieved, although some critics felt it offered nothing new regarding the band's sonic identity. Yet, one could argue that with this record, the band was attempting to shed the "Joy Division" label, aiming to prove that their sound was uniquely New Order—and they succeeded. It was a blend of sonic beauty and complex creativity, grappling with everything around them—including their own past. That is precisely where the album's achievement lies: in championing a sound that was more pop-oriented and accessible than their earlier, darker musical offerings. 

An oftenly overlooked album, it made atmospheric grooves with more finesse than any contemporary computer-rocker. In the end, it was the album that define the sound and status of the band, they had nothing else to proved at the time aside from continuing making great music. 

 

Brotherhood Track List:  

 

1. Paradise

2. Weirdo

3. As It Is When It Was

4. Broken Promise

5. Way Of Life

6. Bizarre Love Triangle

7. All Day Long

8. Angel Dust

9. Every Little Counts