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 If you went to see the Mekons in Chicago today, you probably wouldn't believe that they were once peers of the Gang of Four in Leeds's pioneering punk community. Over the years (and two cities), they've been through more members than nearly any rock band in history, but (nearly) legendary drummer/guitarist/vocalist Jon Langford as well as multi-instrumentalist Tom Greenhalgh, both founders of the band, have stayed central to the band's evolving vision. Where Art-Rock was never really about art or rock (or even really discernibly about much of anything at all) the Mekons have always been about both. Their latest Journey to the End of the Night (Quarterstick Records, 2000) following on the heels of two collections of rarities and outtakes, is another open-eyed look at life in modern society. Less angry than previous outings, Night is a sad reflective look at the darkness and decay of London, the not-too-gleaming capital of the not-much-of-an-empire-anymore. As usual, the Mekons bring all of their many talents to bear and produce an epic, cinematic experience, well-glossed by the poetic marginalia in the liner notes. Their previous record Me (Quarterstick/Touch and Go, 1998), is a rollicking effort exploring the darker side of sex and commercialism. See Our Review.  They've gradually lost the punk sounds displayed on early singles such as "Where Were You," "Another One," and especially the early classic "Never Been in a Riot" a jibe at the Clash's "White Riot" and have brought in more of the pub rock which surrounded them in their native country. Recent performances are likely to feature such stalwart members as Sally Timms, Rico Bell, and Tom Greenhalgh. 
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