Pure - Gary Numan > Reviews > Pure brilliance

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Just a fantastic album .  Sheer quality .
Disadvantages:	none .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Last year Pure saw Eighties King, Gary Numan, make a triumphant entry into the new millennium. No retro- eighties stylings here, rather a full circle of influences taking him to a new place. 15 years ago Numan was inspiring the likes of Trent Resnor, Burton C Bell, and a whole raft of other people, who then spun off into the dark 'n' heavy hinterland, well away from the shiny pop world Numan had started out in. The turn of the century spun the wheel so it was them influencing him. 1999 saw Numan working in collaboration with the guys of Industrial-metal behemoths Fear Factory to produce the truly stunning cover of Cars. If you've seen the adverts for American Express Blue card recently - you've heard the beginning of that cover version. Halloween 1999 he made a guest appearance at Fear Factory's gig to perform it live at the Brixton Academy - and to someone who saw him do that, it sounds a lot like he went home that night and started writing Pure.

I guess it's rather more complicated than that, although Fear Factory do get singled out for a thankyou on the inlay. A summer spent hanging out at metal festivals, and the involvement of personnel from Sulphur (ex-Curve) have certainly had their impact on this album, which marks a new direction in Numan's music. All without loosing any of his amazing talent for atmospherics or his ear for a good tune and a dance floor friendly track. And all in a progression from his dark tinged eighties hits. Simply moved to a higher level - no more tinny synths, no more novelty pop songs, just sheer class. Don't get me wrong, I love and enjoy the eighties classics (although Fear Factory's version of Cars is one of the only times I can think of where I prefer a cover to an original). It's just good to see someone who was something of a hero move on, develop, go places, and not just rehash his or her moments in the sun. I have time for real, quality pop, but welcome something with a bit more substance.

And substance this has by the bucket load! Strong bass lines, deep, grounded rhythms; sometimes atmospheric vocal showcases (One Perfect Lie, Little Invitro) sometimes just dance floor friendly rocking out (Listen to my Voice, Pure). Lyrical vocals focused on the thorny issues of religion and belief. Think Nine Inch Nails; think Vast, think Fear Factory, think 90's Depeche Mode and you're nearly there. Add a sprinkling of Tory Amos, a touch of Perfect Circle, a hint of Nick Cave, and your getting closer. I guess it's not exactly radical and cutting edge, but he makes something all his own from that nest of influences. His vocal style and lyrics are unmistakable, and this is quality work - not a dud track on the album, and a goodly range of tracks, that don't always go where you expect. Passionate, heartfelt, beautiful, powerful and immensely enjoyable. If you are not totally adverse to the use of guitars in music, then I would certainly recommend that you give this a try.

The website, www.numan.co,uk (written by the man himself) offers a generous smattering of tasters and sample tracks for download, as well as photos, news and interviews.

Gary Numan - Pure. 2000 Eagle Records

1> Pure
2> Walking with shadows
3> Rip
4> One Perfect Lie
5> My Jesus
6> Fallen
7> Listen to my Voice
8> A Prayer for the Unborn
9> Torn
10> Little invite
11> I Can't Breath