At the age of 55 and with a career already spanning nearly 35 years, Numan is far from retiring. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Gary Numan, many consider him to be the founding father of the electronic and industrial music genres. Numan is sited as influencing generations of musicians, the likes of artists from Marilyn Manson, Prince and Lady Gaga to The Birthday Massacre, Jack White and Nine Inch Nails. Some of you may remember him from his 80’s hit “Cars”.
“Splinter” is full of crashing basslines, thunderous choruses and ethereal vocals. Tracks like “Here In The Dark,” “Lost” and “The Calling” start out with an the industrial version of a whisper, aurally pleading and begging, then kicking into high gear with crashing keys and bombastic guitar riffs. Numan’s voice is crisp and clear, with a hint of gruff that only a lifetime of making music can hone. The overall tone of “Splinter” is beautiful and calming, yet hide an undertone of darkness and despair. Numan’s 20th release, “Splinter”, came out yesterday on his own label, Machine Music, to rave reviews. The overall consensus around the office so far has been that it’s one of his most dynamic and endearing records to date.
Gary recently relocated to the U.S.A. and will be kicking off a run of U.S.A and British dates this week in support of “Splinter’s” release, including two dates supporting Trent Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails on their Hesitation Marks Tour.
Watch his new video for the song “Love Hurt Bleed” off the album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46kXvXV42Qk
