It has been five long years since fans of the Wisconsin-founded Garbage have been able to celebrate a new album from this legendary band. But it was five years that needed to happen, with 2020 in particular proving to be the most profound in leading to the creation of “No Gods No Masters.”

The band first began work on the tracks back in 2018 through a series of relaxed jamming sessions. Fast forward to early 2020 and lockdowns hitting all over the world, and the way would become paved for what would ultimately become a very different album to what they first envisioned.

Frontwoman Shirley Manson began writing during lockdown. Penning her perceptions of the world at that time. Harnessing the chaos, craziness, and fear that swept the world and channeling it into words that would see their new album take what drummer Butch Vig described as "a hard detour."

And this detour has taken them into some pretty dark territory. But Garbage has never been the kind of band to show an ounce of fear, taking on even the most painful topics with bravery and style. One of their greatest strengths over the years has been their ability to go where other groups wouldn’t. And their latest foray into the political realm has given us some of their most intelligent, emotive, and thought-provoking lyrics. 

The music that carries these words is incredible. To say Garbage has a signature sound is far too simplistic and does not afford them nearly enough credit. While any of their tracks are always unmistakably them, owing to the incredible and distinctive vocals of Manson, truly no two songs in their 30-year history are completely alike. Diversity and eclecticism is the only way to describe Garbage's sound and even come close to doing them justice.

They have consistently seemed to defy labelling. With elements of indie, rock, pop, and even blues creeping in. The sometimes-startling yet beautiful addition of electronica feels just gives them even more depth and range as a band and ensures they will never be pigeonholed. Garbage are just far too masterful and bold for that.

"No Gods No Masters" offers us 11 new amazing Garbage tracks. From the opener and lead single, Noah's Ark-inspired, "The Men Who Rule the World" your attention will be well and truly held until the very last note of the final piece, the fiercely dark and stirring, "This City Will Kill You." Treat yourself to the Deluxe Edition and you'll be blessed with eight additional songs, showcasing even more of the band's rich diversity. Truly every track on this album feels like such a wonderful gift. Each is so stunningly written and composed, delivering messages and meanings with such power and conviction.

This latest album may be the first time we are seeing Garbage get political, but they take to it like the true professionals and virtuosos that they are.  They are not a band that does anything by halves, putting themselves right into their music, and ensuring we feel what they felt when writing. 

Do yourself a favour and check out "No Gods No Masters" today. 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.