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On the 40th anniversary of Japan's first
recording, Kscope release new solo album
from ex-member Richard Barbieri
As an ex-founder of the new-wave pioneers Japan, Barbieri was a
leader in creating the ground-breaking synthesiser sound that defined
the band and influenced the likes of The Human League, Duran Duran,
Gary Numan, Talk Talk and a whole raft of artists to follow. Together,
the band record five studio albums culminating in the groundbreaking
Tin Drum, which stayed in the UK Albums Chart for a year.
Following Japan, Barbieri joined Steven Wilson to form the legendary
progressive outfit Porcupine Tree, playing keyboards on all the band’s
albums since 1993 as well as releasing two striking solo albums: Things
Buried and Stranger Inside.
His ear for composing unique soundscapes and synth textures recently
led to collaborations with other talented composers, such as Steve
Hogarth (Marillion), Steve Jansen & Mick Karn (Japan) and Steven
Wilson (Porcupine Tree).
In 2017, Barbieri releases his most sonically expansive work to date.
Planets + Persona is his third solo album, but the first to feature such a
wide pallet of instrumentation. Vintage analogue synthesisers combine
with acoustic performances and jazz elements, including some stark
and memorable improvisations from a personally hand-picked group of
musicians. Twisted voices are always present, though not in a language
we can recognise.
Recorded across Europe in studios in London, Italy and Sweden, Barbieri
has succeeded in creating his most ambitious solo release with a central
theme of duality that runs through the album.
The album is complimented with photographic scenes of dramatic
Icelandic landscapes in the 16-page booklet included with the CD,
and in the gatefold sleeve of the double LP, which is pressed on 180g
heavyweight vinyl.
3/3/17www.kscopemusic.com/rb