NPR

First Listen: Shopping, 'The Official Body'

The London post-punk band fortifies its buoyant, life-affirming jams with one of the most revolutionary forces of all: fun.
Shopping's <em>The Official Body</em> comes out Jan. 19.

Today is a challenging time for any band with political undertones, and that goes double for . The London-based dance-punk band found itself making its third album, , under the shadow of both Brexit and Donald Trump. On its previous albums, 2013's and 2015's , the trio of guitarist Rachel Aggs, bassist Billy Easter and drummer Andrew Miller established their jittery, minimalist approach —, the band could have gone either way, either doubling down on political rhetoric or fortifying listeners with buoyant, life-affirming jams. It's clear it chose the latter.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
What Are Sperm Whales Saying? Researchers Find A Complex 'Alphabet'
Researchers say sperm whales have a complex communication system, an example of how new technology is opening up the mysterious world of animal language.
NPR3 min read
'Long Island' Renders Bare The Universality Of Longing
In a heartrending follow-up to his beloved 2009 novel, Brooklyn, Colm Tóibín handles uncertainties and moral conundrums with exquisite delicacy, zigzagging through time to a devastating climax.
NPR4 min read
How A U.S. Customs And Border Protection Veteran Sees His Agency's Mission
Ryan Riccucci, a 17-year agency veteran, says he feels the agency is misunderstood by the U.S. public.

Related Books & Audiobooks