Splinter (Songs From A Broken Mind)

On October 14th 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 Gary on fine dark electronic form; sounding both cutting-edge and classic Numan, it marks his best work since the late 70s, early 80s heyday. 'Splinter''s opening gambit 'I Am Dust' is a statement of intent, combining heavy grind with his archetypal anthemic pop skills. The unsettling whispered verses, crunchy guitars and Hans Zimmer-esque strings on 'Here In The Black' create a sense of menace and drama, whilst more orchestral work adorns the cinematic 'The Calling'. Slower-burning ballads 'Lost', 'Where I Can Never Be' and 'My Last Day', highlight the album's broad palate, adding elements of subtlety and even beauty in contrast to the album's more aggressive moments. Gary's knack for sexy, idiosyncratic dancefloor killers is strongly evident on the pounding, growling throb of 'Love Hurt Bleed', whilst 'Who Are You' carries equal clout as-body-music-Numan-style - infectious, but sounding unlike anything else you might hear blasting from a soundsystem. 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.