US industrial band POWERMAN 5000 hits its ninth studio album with New Wave, out for Pavement Entertainment on October 27^th, a release that pushes on the pedal of creativity and innovation. "Footsteps and Voices" opens the platter, hooking the listener with its heavy attitude and Spider One rapped vocals, backed by a catchy chorus; "Hostage" shows horror rock attitude, with an interesting increasing intensity in the end; first single "Sid Vicious in a Dress" comes next, with groovy riffs opening for somewhat appealing vocals with some sort of horror-sexy approach.

"David Fucking Bowie" is an 80's and Bowie tribute filled with POWERMAN 5000 style, with a Space Oddity-ish chorus to pay homage to the icon and warming our hearts. "Cult Leader" is an energetic and fun track, pushing listeners into uncontrollable movement. "No White Flags" slow things down, back to early 90's alt rock: although out of mood compared to the easygoing approach so far, it's worth mentioning for its depth and its "symphonic" and catchy chorus. As if a reaction to this reflective moment was needed, next "Thank God" is a bursting speed track, timing just a bit over one min but leaving listeners unable to sit still.

"Die on Your Feet" returns to heavier and slower crossover grounds, while "Get a Life" is a somewhat simple track, stripped to the bone around a spookier mood. Closing track "Run for Your Life" is filled with 80's, with a slower middle part, with almost whispered talking vocals, before a funny explosion towards the end. While not a bad song per se, to be honest this seems a bit unbalancing in the general album stability. New Wave is a fun and enjoyable record, showing an inspired Spider One tracking new paths and inspirations while keeping feet on the sound forged in their over 20 years history: this could satisfy both long time listeners and new fans.