Hardcore punk band Refused opened up and expanded their sound for THE SHAPE OF PUNK TO COME (a take-off on the title of the classic avant-jazz disc by Ornette Coleman, THE SHAPE OF JAZZ TO COME). They've become more sophisticated in their presentation, but still maintain their crunching, take-no-prisoners musical ethic--when they let the guitars kick in, they still manage to deliver a brutal, politically inspired racket.
Professional Reviews
Q (p.135) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Refused reached a peak of intelligence and intensity with THE SHAPE OF PUNK TO COME..."
Alternative Press (3/02, p.96) - Included in AP's "Essential Punk Influences '02 Style" - "...A manifesto-driven, techno-punk landmark..."
CMJ (11/09/98, p.22) - "...The Shape...is a dark, fierce and proggressive recording that proves punk and hardcore are not a stagnant genre..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.111) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Building upon a sonic and sartorial blueprint laid down by early `90s DC crew The Nation Of Ulysses, Refused drew on a plethora of other influences..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.130) - 4 stars out of 5 - "This is an album of punk finality, of defiant, left-wing independence....When in range, Refused are as impossible to ignore as they are to deny."
Pitchfork (Website) - "Rhythmically, all members are locked-in, feeding off each other's energy and authority."
