A brilliant combination of sonic and emotional impact
Garbage has always been a band that fills a very unusual space in popular music. They rose in the 90’s, originating from a combination of goth, punk and hard rock. Their songs were equal parts driving guitars, bass grooves, and sultry singing. They cranked out hits like “Stupid Girl”, “Queer”, and “Only Happy When It Rains.”
Over the years, Garbage continued to push the limits with their song topics and their production. Songs like “Push It” have long, great stories about the arduous process to fit in 108 tracks. They would also freely question or challenge societal norms with songs like “Androgyny” and “Sex Is Not The Enemy.” Between these songs were quiet, introspective ballads like “The Trick is to Keep Breathing” and “Sugar.”
The band is back in 2021 with their seventh album, “No Gods No Masters” and it really should contain the subtitle “We’re Done Putting Up With Your Shit.” Right from the opening track, “The Men Who Rule The World”, listeners should fasten their seat belts. This song sets the tone musically and lyrically with singer Shirley Manson fully defiant in her take on unbridled greed displayed by those in power. Her wonderful, profane delivery is supported by wave after wave of guitars of all styles.
From there, the rest of the album is a love letter to everything that listeners have come to love about the band. “The Creeps” is an up-tempo, step on the gas straight rock tune that showcases the entire band. Manson as always is joined by Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker. (For all of their years together, Garbage has maintained the same lineup, which is rare.)
The third song is the electro-trance piece, “Uncomfortably Me.” This is a testimonial from Manson on her many years unsure and unconfident in herself. It speaks to being an outsider, to those who suffer body dysmorphia or imposter syndrome. “I hated myself when she wasn’t around.”
The album addresses a wide number of societal and political behaviors and is a wonderful culmination of Manson’s experience as a songwriter and as a person. She asked herself a number of times if she should cover a topic that might be risqué or alienate some of the listeners, and then decided that she was going to address all of them. “Waiting for God” provides an amazing example as she basically tells the “thoughts and prayers” people on social media that they’re not helping. “Smiling at fireworks that light all the skies up while Black boys get shot in the back” is one particularly powerful moment.
There are ear worm parts to every song on the album for a variety of reasons. The title track sums up the main album with an anthem supporting independence. Another great up-tempo instant classic, it is full of piano, synth, guitar, driving drums, an impossible bass line, and Manson at her defiant best. “The future is mine just the same/ no gods or masters to obey.”
There is a deluxe edition of the album that includes bonus tracks. Among these are cover songs like “Starman” and “Because the Night” with some brilliant guest stars. These are some great showcases of collaborative artists and really provide just another shot in the arm for those waiting for Garbage’s return to its roots.
Embracing this return to what made the band a household name, Garbage will be touring in support of Alanis Morrisette during the fall of 2021. If it’s safe, catch this show. One of the other incredible things about the band is how they translate seamlessly to a live show. Manson is one of the best lead singers and she absolutely owns the stage.
Do you have “No Gods No Masters” yet? What do you think? Let me know here or on Twitter!
See you at the concert (vaccinated and outdoors in our case).
One Love,
nK