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Classic British post-punk band Wire have unveiled their first new music since their 2020 album Mind Hive. Today (March 11), they’re sharing a new track, “Small Black Reptile,” which is taken from their vinyl-only Record Store Day release titled 10:20. The song is a re-working of the version that appeared on their 1990 album Manscape.
While the original “Small Black Reptile” is a wonky, minimal synth-pop track and unmistakably experimental, this new rendition is a sweet, subtle number with the occasional raucous noise-rock guitar line. It even verges on power-pop thanks to Colin Newman’s tuneful vocals.
Per a press release, 10:20 is filled with what the band refers to as “strays”—songs that didn’t fit into any of their studio albums and that evolved during their live shows. Half of the album was recorded in 2010 and features guitar from then-live member Margaret Fielder (of Laika), as well as eventual official member Matthew Sims.