The New Division: The Brooding Sounds of 'Modern Life'

The New Division, the electronic synth-pop project of California-based musician John Kunkel, has been making waves since the release of his The Rookie album in 2009. Drawing inspiration from bands like New Order and Depeche Mode, Kunkel's music has been compared to the growing “Chillwave” scene, but he decided to take his music in a darker direction with his 2011 Shadows. Since then, The New Division has played shows worldwide, opening for Peter Hook & The Light and Peter Murphy and releasing four full-length albums, half a dozen EPs, and various singles.

In 2023, Kunkel released his latest album, Modern Life, which explores themes of chaos, isolation, and finding escape in music during the pandemic. With a darker edge than its predecessor, Hidden Memories, the album delves into the effects of technology addiction and navigating a changing world.

"A lot of this album was written when we were all stuck at home, unable to hang out with friends, be with our families,” Kunkel said in a public statement. “While I don't think the pandemic changed me drastically, I notice something different about myself when I play these songs back-to-back.”

Modern Life is a powerful and thought-provoking addition to The New Division's discography, offering a glimpse into the darker side of modern existence. The album is on Kunkel's label, Division 87 Records and The New Division will embark on a U.S. Tour later this summer, fall, and winter.

The album's sound is characterized by Kunkel's use of synthesizers, electronic beats, and atmospheric textures, all of which combine to create a brooding and introspective mood. The songs on the album are driven by pulsing rhythms, haunting melodies, and Kunkel's passionate vocals, which convey a sense of longing and introspection.

The album's style is dark and atmospheric, drawing inspiration from film noir and other themes associated with the darker side of modern life. The album sometimes feels hypnotic, with its repetitive beats and ethereal soundscapes creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The production and recording quality of The New Division's Modern Life album is exceptional. The album is expertly mixed and mastered, with every instrument and sound element balanced.

The vocals are clear and powerful, and the electronic beats and synth textures are crisp and punchy. The album is polished and professional, with no noticeable flaws or imperfections.

The instrumentation in Modern Life is electronic, with a heavy emphasis on synthesizers and drum machines. Kunkel's use of electronic beats and atmospheric textures is notable, creating a brooding and introspective mood that serves the album's concept and message.

Some guitar and bass elements are on a few tracks, adding depth and variety to the album's sonic palette. Regarding production techniques, Kunkel uses various effects and processing to create the album's unique sound, including reverb, delay, and distortion.

The production and instrumentation of Modern Life serve the album's overall concept and message well. The electronic beats and atmospheric textures help to create a sense of isolation and introspection, which reflects the album's themes of chaos, addiction, and finding escape in music. The polished and professional production quality adds to the album's emotional intensity, conveying that Kunkel explores personal themes through his music.

The New Division has cited several musical influences on Modern Life, including post-punk and new wave bands such as Joy Division, New Order, and The Cure. These influences are evident in the album's use of driving basslines, haunting synth melodies, and atmospheric production techniques. Kunkel has noted the influence of contemporary electronic artists such as Daft Punk and Boards of Canada, which you can hear in the album's intricate beats and textured soundscapes.

Modern Life departs from The New Division's earlier work, particularly the upbeat, pop-infused sound of their 2015 album Gemini. The album features a more subdued and atmospheric sound, with fewer prominent guitar and vocal elements than in previous releases. While the earlier albums explored themes of love and relationships, Modern Life delves into the darker subject matter, reflecting on isolation and technology addiction themes.

In terms of genre, Modern Life falls under the broad umbrella of electronic music, with influences ranging from synth-pop and post-punk to ambient and experimental electronic. The album shares similarities with contemporary electronic artists such as Tycho and Com Truise in its use of intricate beats and atmospheric soundscapes.

The New Division's incorporation of post-punk influences and driving basslines set them apart from many other artists in the genre. Modern Life is a powerful and thought-provoking album that explores some of the most pressing issues of our time through the lens of electronic synth-pop music.