Gang of Four

What Happens Next (Metropolis Records)

Gang of One, some have snickered upon hearing that singer Jon King has departed, leaving guitarist Andy Gill the sole founding member in the Gang of Four. Question is: After the remarkable reinvigoration of the band’s Marxist funk in the new millennium via 2011’s Content, can Gill retain and even forward this legacy post-King? A not-unwelcome air of dread pervades What Happens Next, like the sound of England falling apart. The general tone is that of the least fun dance group in the world, with Gill still spraying noise like a Strat thrown down a staircase across the works. New vocalist John “Gaoler” Sterry sounds so Bono-esque, it’s refreshing when guests like the Kills’ Alison Mosshart jump in for “Broken Talk” and “England’s in My Bones.” (Thu., 11:30pm, Hotel Vegas Patio)

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This article appears in March 20 • 2015.

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Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.