OK, you should have all finished doing double takes now. Yes, this is a Gary Numan album and yes it is in the hard rock category (Or at least it should be!!!). It’s all a bit convoluted but basically Gary Numan has transformed himself from the strange little man of electro pop he used to be into a Trent Reznor like electro rock behemoth. And yet who was it who inspired Trent Reznor (Amongst others) to pick up a synth and create what we know now as Nine Inch Nails? Gary Numan of course. So the mentor having duly mentored the pupil has now changed into the image of the former pupil. Very deep, very Zen – very verging on the Karate Kid.
The music that Gary NuNuman has created owes a very big debt to Nine Inch Nails, it’s definitely been created from a similar mind set as it mixes dark electronic synth work with fuzzed up aggressive guitar. While NuNuman may have been influenced by NIN he does more than just rehash the NIN formula. Pure has more synth tunes and less guitar noise – I suppose if you really wanted to you could call it New Romantic Industrial. And then of course you have NuNuman’s voice, it’s a voice that you could very easily call ‘unique’
and you’ll probably be wondering just how well it’s transferred to his new career. Well, quite well – at times he verges on sounding like a demented school girl whose voice is breaking (Just trust me on this one) but it never goes far enough to be a bad thing. Instead it gives Pure a, well, a ‘unique’ sound.
* Pure *
Opening with a quiet synth melody before some industrial sounding distorted drums come crashing in for a moment, then a moments quietness and then the song sets off, propelled along by chugging guitars. The best moments of the song though are the short quiet sections that come before the chorus and give the whole song a huge sense of building up. Top stuff, NIN and Vast fans would love this.
* Walking with shadows *
Slowing the pace down for a clanky clanky industrial drum beat and dirty bass, the opening of the song sets a sombre mood which is fairly offset by NuNuman’s Enya impression on the first dreamy vocal section. Then the guitars come in and it sounds quite like something that could have come off the second Vast album. Quietly anthemic, but not as good as Pure.
* Rip *
Marilyn Manson style whispered vocals and a sombre bass line are the main ingredients in the start of this song along with a rhythmic guitar led chorus. It’s another song that verges on being anthemic with it’s “hey hey” lyrics but it’s still not as good as Pure!
* One Perfect Lie *
A huge synth soundscape sets the backdrop for the slow sombre ballad. It’s dark and brooding and slowly builds towards a climax at the end with NuNuman singing “I’m torn and guilty” over and over. Effecting stuff.
* My Jesus *
Another synth soundscape, this time with added industrial noises and fleeting high notes – you never quite know what’s coming in this chilling song. NuNuman uses his unique vocals to great effect as the song worms it’s way into your brain. Very good stuff!
* Fallen *
An instrumental track led by a dirty synth riff complete with lots of spooky half reversed breathing noises – it’s quite freaky – if you’ve ever played the game Heretic it’s a bit like the sound effects in that. It’s a short track, finishing off in a huge crashing piano chord. Stunning stuff.
* Listen to my Voice *
The mood of the album quickens on this excellent brooding track. Once again Gary uses his unique voice to great effect on a track that mixes hard electronic elements and crushing guitars. The chorus even reminds me a bit the Depeche Mode song “All I ever need”. Great track, as good as Pure!
* A Prayer to the Unborn *
A track similar in style to One Perfect Lie. Droning electric guitars, huge synth sounds and a sombre mood. It’s not as good as One Perfect Lie though – it’s more repetitive then effecting.
* Torn *
This track is again a bit repetitive but not as bad as A Prayer to the Unborn – fuzzed up guitars, stop/go noise drama is the order of the day along with the requisite synth noises. Not the best track on the album.
* Little Invitro *
Another slow song that spends several minutes wandering around in melancholy synth noise land before exploding right at the end into a wall of chugging guitars and mournful vocals. Powerful and effective stuff where NuNuman’s voice is used to good effect. Although I have to say I prefer the Pure style tracks.
* I can't Breathe *
Menacing distorted drums and a faintly audible moody bass line soon turns into the most NINish track on the album as chugging guitars machine gun their way around the track and NuNuman yells in his own way “I’m so scared” on the huge sounding chorus. There’s also more Marilyn Manson style whispering. Combine this all together and you get one of the best tracks on the album.
Right then, summing up time. If you are fan of Numan then there is no guarantee you will like this – but if NIN and Vast is your musical wide style bucket of choice then forget about any ‘uncool’ ideas you may have about this album and go download some of the songs you like the sound of. Pure, Listen to my Voice and I can’t Breath would be my recommendations.
21.12.2003 20:16
sounds right up my street, will give it a listen. Dave
13.08.2001 21:29
NIN, Vast, Fear Factory, mixed up with a bit of the old eighties magic - whats not to like! - grand op. Cheers.
16.07.2001 22:54
You've just given me a great idea for a friend's birthday present! Hannah :o)