Justice – Civilization

Contributed by Erin Routson

It’s fairly easy to fall prey to liking music because of its perfect synchronization with advertising. The first time I remember this happening was the VW New Beetle ad with “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space” by Spiritualized. I bought the record because of it. When the Tron: Legacy trailer leaked, my roommate and I watched it over and over not because of the video footage, but because Daft Punk’s “Derezzed” sounded so amazing to us.

When Adidas debuted its “All In” campaign backed by Justice’s first release since 2009, the same kind of repeat watching happened. The visuals and the music paired up in a way that made you want to dunk on someone, do tricks on a BMX, dance, or barring any athletic ability – pump your fists while listening to it in your room. On top of that, it made any Justice fan drool at the first taste of the next record. “Civilization” makes you feel like you could run a marathon, or at least do 20 straight minutes on a treadmill. The slightly sinister drainy wails, the magic of the intro to “Pinball Wizard” and the beat work together to rally you. It sounds like blood pumping through your veins. It sounds like being lost on the best, darkest dance floor with laser lights flashing around you. It sounds like sweat and victory.

As for the cover art? We get it, guys.

Justice: (Myspace)

Rating: 8.3

Reviewed by b3