13 bands to follow if you love Joy Division

Despite only officially releasing two albums together in their time as a band – 1979’s Unknown Pleasures and 1980’s Closer – it’s not hyperbolic to state that Post-punk pioneers Joy Division are one of the most influential bands of all time. Each individual element of the Manchester band was unique to them when they first emerged: Peter Hook’s low-slung bass, Stephen Morris’ seemingly disconnected drum patterns, Bernard Sumner’s wiry guitar tone and, of course, Ian Curtis’ deep, unsettling baritone.

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Since their emergence in the late 1970s, plenty of bands have tried to beg, borrow and steal from their distinctive sonic template with varying degrees of success. Here, five new bands who actually nail it.

Nation Of Language

The Brooklyn-based trio have been successful with their sombre, electronic indie pop over the course of two full-length albums – 2020’s Introduction, Presence and 2021’s A Way Forward. They are clearly influenced by Joy Division’s second act – that would be New Order we’re talking about – leaning enthusiastically into the bright electronics of that band’s work on more than a few occasions. Still, listening to a song such as recent single Stumbling Still from their forthcoming third album Strange Disciple, it’s clear that the shadow of the gloomy, stuttering shuffle of Hook, Morris and Sumner’s first band can often push their way to the front of their pool of influences as well.

Life

The Hull band’s debut album North East Coastal Town is an intriguing mix of raucous, straight ahead indie punk and unconventional dub-bass-driven art rock. The latter is certain to chime with fans of Joy Division, and it’s when Life dabble in this sound that they’re at their best. Songs like Almost Home and The Drug jitter and twitch along in fine style, but it’s album opener Friends Without Names that gets closest to capturing the browbeaten alienation and ennui of Ian Curtis at his best. More of that in the future please, chaps.

Model/Actriz

They may have been around since 2016, but New York collective Model/Actriz only released their debut album Dogsbody in 2023. It was, quite frankly, well worth the wait. Noise rock and no wave influences dominate the album, meaning that if we were doing this feature on, say, Swans, they’d be an equally decent shout. But it’s the propulsive drum beats, the sense of melody buried beneath harsh electronics and the pure nihilism expressed throughout that we think would please fans of Joy Division, too. If you’re more a fan of the early Warsaw-era material than Love Will Tear Us Apart then this is more in your wheelhouse, but Model/Actriz are exceptional nonetheless.

The Murder Capital

Formed in Dublin in 2018, from the same scene that spawned Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital share a similar level of the baroque, downbeat poeticism that made people connect to Ian Curtis in such numbers. Their debut album, 2019’s When I Have Fears, was produced by Nine Inch Nails, U2 and Depeche Mode collaborator Flood, and was a dark, angry collection of post-punk rage. Its follow up, 2023’s Gigi’s Recovery, was a more subdued but no less affecting set of songs that were brilliantly captured by producer John Congleton. Two very different, yet equally essential records.

Nightbus

They may currently only have two songs available for you to listen to, but Manchester trio Nightbus have already grabbed the attention of music fans. Vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Olive Rees has a voice that recalls a more aloof Siouxsie Sioux, and the sounds of classic goth, post-punk and late-night electro accentuate her tones perfectly. Being from the same city as Joy Division will mean that the comparisons are obvious, but Nightbus have plenty of other elements in their music to keep them distinct. A hugely promising start.

Bauhaus

Bauhaus was an English post-punk band formed in Northampton in 1978. They were known for their dark and atmospheric sound, incorporating elements of gothic rock, punk, and glam rock. Their most famous song is “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” which became a seminal track in the gothic rock genre.

Crispy Ambulance

Crispy Ambulance was a post-punk band from Manchester, England. Formed in 1977, they were part of the city’s vibrant music scene along with bands like Joy Division and The Fall. Crispy Ambulance’s music combined elements of post-punk, new wave, and experimental sounds.

Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode is an English electronic music band formed in Basildon, Essex, in 1980. They rose to prominence in the 1980s with their synth-pop sound and dark, introspective lyrics. Depeche Mode’s hits include “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “Enjoy the Silence,” and “Personal Jesus.”

The Associates

The Associates were a Scottish new wave and synth-pop band formed in 1979. Led by vocalist Billy Mackenzie and guitarist Alan Rankine, the band gained critical acclaim for their theatrical and artful approach to pop music. Their best-known song is “Party Fears Two.”

The Durutti Column

The Durutti Column is a British post-punk and indie band formed in 1978. Led by guitarist and composer Vini Reilly, the band’s music combines elements of punk, new wave, and ambient music. Their sound is characterized by Reilly’s distinctive guitar playing style and introspective melodies.

The Smiths

The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. They were known for their jangly guitar-driven sound and the poignant lyrics of their frontman, Morrissey. The band achieved significant success during the 1980s with songs like “This Charming Man,” “How Soon Is Now?,” and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”

Throbbing Gristle

Throbbing Gristle was an English industrial music band formed in 1975. Considered pioneers of the industrial genre, their music was characterized by experimental and confrontational soundscapes. Throbbing Gristle’s work often challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of music and performance art.

Cabaret Voltaire

Cabaret Voltaire is an English electronic music band formed in Sheffield in 1973. They were early pioneers of industrial and electronic music, combining elements of punk, dance, and experimental sounds. Cabaret Voltaire’s work heavily influenced the development of electronic and techno music.

These bands/artists played important roles in shaping various genres of music, and their influence can still be felt in contemporary music today.