The name of this 1970s post-punk band is very misleading. With “joy” in the name, I figured their music would have a more upbeat tempo, but I was very mistaken.

Joy Division’s songs feature synths that bring a dark, somber tone. I don’t want to be reminded of the coldness of the winter we just exited. Not only is their sound dark, but so are their lyrics. Let’s talk about their most well-known song. “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is definitely not as romantic as it sounds.

Lead Singer Ian Curtis is singing about his failing marriage at 23. That’s too young to be dealing with that. God, just thinking about having my heart broken by someone I plan on spending the rest of my life with just a year or two removed from college is soul crushing.

Curtis never got to hear the reception of his masterpiece because it released as a single after his suicide, which occurred on the eve of the band’s first North American tour. Imagine the sorrow his bandmates felt. This was like The Beatles going to the United States for the first time, but for punk rock.

Joy Division folded and the remaining members formed New Order, one of the best bands of the 1980s. Curtis could have enjoyed the success with his musical brothers. No pun intended, but this really is an unknown pleasure for him. What really drives a dagger to my heart is that New Order will cover “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”

Joy Division: A great band to get sad to, but definitely would not recommend if you’re looking for something to help with post-seasonal depression.