Category: Gang of Four

Deep within the driving bassline and slashing guitar of Gang of Four’s ‘Ether,’ lies a narrative seething with political discontent and societal observation. The post-punk ensemble, known for their biting commentary and angular musicality, takes a deep dive into the tumultuous landscape of late-1970s Northern Ireland.

In the midst of punk’s cacophony and the birth of post-punk’s nuanced clamor, Gang of Four emerged from Leeds, UK with their groundbreaking album ‘Entertainment!’ in 1979. Among the album’s charged anthems, ‘Natural’s Not in It’ stands out as a profound critique of consumerist culture and the commodification of human desire.

Released as part of their 1979 debut EP, Gang of Four’s ‘Damaged Goods’ strikes listeners with a ferocity that transcends its punk rock bones. The song serves a dual function as a narrative on consumer culture and personal relationships where everything, including emotions, are commodified.