Mortal Records presents ‘Splinter’ (Songs From A Broken Mind), the inspired new album by pioneer, chart-topper and influential artist Gary Numan.
‘Splinter’ features guitarist Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails, Guns N Roses), is produced by long-standing collaborator Ade Fenton, and will be followed by a full national headline tour in November.The album finds Numan on fine dark electronic form; sounding both cutting-edge and classic Numan, it marks his best work since the late 70s, early 80s heyday.
Although Numan released a straight-to-the-fanbase album ‘Dead Son Rising’ in 2011, this is his first self-penned full album since ‘Jagged’ in 2006.
In recent years he’s been quoted as an influence by everyone from Lady Gaga to Kanye West, Matthew Dear to Queens Of The Stone Age, The Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Prince and J Dilla, to Boyz Noise, Richie Hawtin and Battles (they released a single ‘My Machines’ on Warp Records with Numan in 2011).
But while Numan’s unique style continues to connect with fans from the worlds of metal, hip hop, electronica, industrial and indie, he remains as focussed as ever in pursuing his own singular vision. ‘Splinter’ sounds unique, while also utilising new sounds and ideas.
Perhaps it’s the voice – one of the most distinctive in music and often associated with machines and icy alienation, but for those who are drawn to Numan’s songs, his singing is strangely emotional, almost soulful in places. And if you like that side of his writing, you certainly won’t be disappointed with the new album, where there are several tracks that set Numan’s vocals against moody, atmospheric torch songs to stunning effect.
Stream the track “I Am Dust”:
Gary Numan: Splinter UK Tour, November 2013:
7th Bristol – 02 Academy (£25)
8th Ireland Dublin – Button Factory (25 Euros)
11th Sheffield – 02 Academy (£25)
12th Newcastle – 02 Academy (£25)
13th Glasgow – 02 ABC (£25)
14th Manchester – Academy (£27.50)
15th Oxford – 02 Academy (£25)
16th London – Roundhouse (£32.50)
18th Brighton – The Dome (£25)
19 Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall (£27.50)