SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PUBLIC IMAGE LTD. – END OF WORLD

Public Image Ltd.
End Of World
Cargo/Redeye

For some, like me, it is hard to believe that Public Image Limited (PIL) is celebrating their 45th anniversary. After The Sex Pistols, who knew that John Lydon would form a band that would still be around 45 years later and help reshape the music landscape? Well, those paying attention all these years knew something was happening.

End Of World is PIL’s 11th studio album and their first since 2015’s What The World Needs Now. It is also interesting to note that PIL always had a bit of a revolving door with members, but the current line-up of the band is the longest standing line-up in PIL’s history. Besides Lydon, the band includes Bruce Smith (drums, backing vocals), Lu Edmonds (guitar, banjo, keyboards, backing vocals), and Scott Firth (bass, keyboards, backing vocals) and this configuration have toured and are touring today. Smith and Edmonds have been involved since 1986. They have formed the perfect band for Lydon, providing him with the soundtrack he needs for his fantastic lyrics and vocals.

Musically, End Of World, is one of PIL’s most experimental and diverse releases. The band co-wrote all the songs with Lydon, and they bring in many different styles and sounds. Yes, it still sounds like PIL, but songs like “Penge” show Lydon using his voice very differently and with the added vocals and forceful backing, this is not only a brilliant way to open an album but introduce a whole new sound for PIL. It should be noted that Lydon’s vocals are strong throughout the entire album. “Penge”  is followed by the title track, which has a very hard, almost metal sound to it, while still maintaining that PIL sound.

There are more traditional sounding PIL songs, such as “Car Chase”, which has hints of the older PIL. However it still has enough twists and turns to make it different and interesting. Lydon and company are not going to go over old ground with this song or the entire album. The same can be said “Being Stupid Again”.

Elsewhere, PIL demonstrates a more polished side to their sound. “Strange” is remarkably beautiful, with an incredible melody. Lyrically, it packs a punch about current political situations, all set in a slow groove. And the closing track, “Hawaii”, is a deeply personal song for Lydon, written for his late wife, Nora Forster, who passed away before the album was released. Lydon cared for his wife, who had Alzheimer’s. “All journeys end,” sings Lydon. “Some begin again, and we’re here…remember me? I remember you.” It is deeply personal, painful, and beautiful all at once.

End Of World is an important album for the band, and quite frankly, the current music scene. It speaks to today and is very personal. It is almost revolutionary in that PIL refuses to stick with one style and cater to expectations one has of the band.It also shows that there is life in the older artists, and bands like PIL continue to make relevant and stirring albums. Here, PIL and Lydon prove they have something to say and can say it very well, both musically and lyrically. Welcome back Lydon and PIL.

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