Edit

Among the most outspoken voices to emerge from the aftermath of U.K. punk, Mark Stewart has left an indelible influence on generations of politically minded musicians across several genres. From scathing, leftist hectoring as the front man for post-punk legends the Pop Group, to more recent forays into dub-influenced electronica, Stewart has steadfastly wielded his microphone as a weapon against the forces of oppression. His sixth solo outing, EDIT has lost none of the ideological fervor of his earliest punk-era efforts. Once again, Stewart has employed his group Maffia, who feature the rock-solid rhythm section of drummer Keith LeBlanc, bassist Doug Wimbish, and guitarist Skip McDonald. Relying less obviously on the studio trickery of producer Adrian Sherwood, EDIT is firmly rooted in live musicianship that is supplemented by Sherwood's tight mix and restrained use of effects. On the bitter bombast of "Loner," Stewart's monotone phrasing echoes the industrial-tinged distortion of the LeBlanc's relentless, rhythmic pounding. "Secret Suburbia" meanwhile, overlaps acidic synth riffing over a pumping funk groove as Stewart bemoans the cultural wasteland created by urban blight.