154 (studio album) by Wire

I feel like this is the darkest Wire record with original haunting sound, but I just don't find it appealing. There are some good tracks (I Should Have Known Better, The 15th, Single K.O., Map Ref), but there are some unlistenable ones as well (Indirect Enquirues, 40 Versions).

A very interesting and experimental listen that really captivates me with every listen. It sounds so mysterious and unique in terms of atmosphere and that is created by the distorted instruments and vocal. Mainly, it is the guitar which separates this album from other releases and you can tell that the group got very imaginative with the music on this one as the structure and style is so artistic. They can hop from genre to genre seamlessly especially on this record where you really don't know what is coming next. This keeps us entertained throughout and it is very hard to get bored while listening to this album. However, there are a few weaker tracks and this record does take a dip in quality when compared to their two bigger releases. Overall, there is a lot of fun to be had with this record and this group never fail to surprise me with what they deliver.

From teague 09/08/2021 21:15

Pretty much every song on this record contains elements that, up to that point, are wholly unique to them. Map Ref. 41°N 93°W is an important step into shoegaze territory, as is this album in full.

It's unnerving, it mixes genres, it's dark but uplifting in parts - fantastic album! You definitely feel part of Wire's world as soon as the album starts and it doesn't let you go until the end. This one may rate even higher the more I listen to it!

From Brandon8 06/24/2020 13:05

The final installment in the band’s trilogy of early albums this continues the evolution to almost robotic dream like futuristic music. This is just as strong as first 2 albums way ahead of their time hopefully more people are discovering the band.

From Jameth 09/11/2019 22:53

What an album...gothic rock one minute, stoner rock the next, than they hit you with some warped new wave textures. Brilliant.

Map Ref is one of the most beautifull songs of the 70's

From exileonthehell 12/28/2015 17:54

Un disco fuera de tiempo
The 15 es algo que muchas bandas de shoegaze en los noventa hubieran deseado componer.

Touching Display sounds like something Scott Walker would record.

From HazeyTwilight 12/23/2014 14:59

The drawbacks in being blinded by your own arrogance are so high, that you haven't realised that you've made a fatal miscalculation in your proposition. Mass hysteria ensues.