China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel

A week ago today, the internet mourned the loss of Walter Becker. Having played a part in both Steely Dan and China Crisis, his impact was immeasurable. Like many others, I found myself digging through the back catalog of both brilliant bands, and was reminded of the new wave wonderment that is the lead, and title track, "Working With Fire And Steel." Released in 1983, it is quite possibly my favourite China Crisis cut, and that's saying something, since their synthpop laden library is full of fun numbers.

"Working With Fire And Steel" is a wicked wall of sound, with punchy, fun drum fills and a fabulously funky bass line. Leaving room for a sax solo and live, yet almost industrial instrumentation, it is exactly what I love about the 80s. Synths were just coming into their own and still felt new and exciting, and they were often mixed with a more typical rock band set up. Ever since I rediscovered this track, and so much of China Crisis' catalog, I've had trouble enjoying anything else. See if the same happens for you when you press play below, and be sure to check out more of their catalog, through Spotify here.