British synth-pop legend Gary Numan has actively been composing music for the past thirty seven years. With early success as part of Tubeway Army, Numan has gone on to a strong career which has transcended the 1980’s new wave scene. Combining synthesizers with guitar sounds, Numan has forever stamped himself as a pioneer of electronic music. Through the years experimenting with styles and sound, each album in his illustrious discography is different and fresh. In 2013 Numan returned with his twentieth studio album titled Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind). The album see’s producer Ade Fenton returning again to work with Numan; a working relationship which began back in 2005 during the Jagged album.
The album launches with “I Am Dust”, which has a more original Numan sound, but you also hear something similar to that of Nine Inch Nails; a good song you can really relax and get into. His vocal accomplishments are unparalleled on the song as his range and amazing endless vocal creativity makes for a beautiful experience. The song “Here In Black” is the classic dark Numan style, and there is no denying the aggression and strength behind it. In contrast, a song such as “The Calling” is good lounging music and the powerful ballad “Lost” could be the show stealer with a hint of Nine Inch Nails’ “Something I Can Never Have”. The build up, emotion, and the transitions of this song are beautiful. On many occasions, Numan has never been shy to display his emotions nakedly. When you hear this song you remember who you are.
The catchy chorus and danceable vibe of“Love Hurt Bleed” is laced with an electronic/industrial sound and makes feeling bad feel good. Numan’s haunting voice makes “Where I Can Never Be” another melodic trance inducing gem. The track “We’re the Unforgiven” displays even more excellent vocals, crashing guitars, and electronics; taking on a very modern sound.
The song “Who Are You” has a slightly more upbeat sound than the track prior. The song is heavy yet playful, and a little tantalizing here as well. Fans must wonder if they will see more of songs such as this from Numan in future. The album closed out with eerie “My Last Day”, which sounds like a premonition. Does Gary know something we do not with composing this dreamlike track? This closing makes Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind) a special marker in Numan’s career.
Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind) is an album that pulls from many genres; all dark and dependent on his reminiscence to electronic sound from his inception, and to no let down. With a strong array of dark soundscapes, it is no wonder Splinter is Numan’s highest charting album since Warriors (1983). Numanoids, and the new comers to his music, will all appreciate the well-worth listening of Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind). CrypticRock give this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Mortal
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