Gary Numan - Perth, 25th May 2014
Words: Garreth Manuel
After thirty plus years and twenty two albums, electro pioneer Gary Numan returned to Australia with his latest release Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind) and a tour that will be sure to re-establish the man’s industrial cred and reinforce his dominance as synth pop’s most valued player as many of his contemporaries would concur.
Seven long years was the wait for this masterpiece and it was well worth it. It’s easily his moodiest, bleakest and, dare it be said, best work to date. The album explores all aspects of depression, anguish and loneliness and it’s clear everything he needed to express was accomplished. With raw and unbridled force he attacked every lyric of every track and unashamedly acted out every mood with the theatrics only he could possibly provide.
All but a few tracks from this newest instalment were played and as is often hoped for, the set was also littered with many old classics from his enormous back catalogue necessary to round off any perfect Gary Numan gig.
Kicking off the night, local duo Rooster Police juiced up the crowd with some experimental guitar based electro that was thoroughly enjoyed.
Queue Gary Numan. Like a man on a mission, Numan approached his mic and had the small crowd absorbed by his larger than life presence instantly. The painfully atmospheric opener Resurrection prepped those present for I Am Dust, Metal, Everything Comes Down To This, Films and Here In The Black. It was a masterfully arranged and organised number of tracks blending old with the new. 2013’s Splinter and 1979’s The Pleasure Principle mixed in sweet, perfect harmony.
Although his older, more familiar tracks have been reconstructed, they aren’t over produced, therefore retaining their integrity. Numan’s back catalogue of eighties tracks were given new life with a harder more sinister edge and with monstrous drums, grating riffs and his usual soaring keys, he’s managed to revive some of the older classics. (As if they needed a helping hand!)
Lost, very much a highlight of the night, had the dead still and silent crowd reflecting before the ever-recognisable synths and drums of Cars was brought out for a surprisingly early airing. Pure followed from 2000 album of the same name. Tracks Splinter, We’re the Unforgiven and Love Hurt Bleed dripped with passion, ending a wonderful set.
The encore consisted of more ever-evolving older tracks, once again, grittier and more hardened. I Die You Die and Are Friends Electric had everyone singing along, as they do. Simply massive. My Last Day, starting soft and mellow, finished with epic intensity, ending a fucking brilliant set.
There are rumours of another album in the not too distant future. Hopefully it means this won't be the last time we get to see Gary Numan in Australia.
Seven long years was the wait for this masterpiece and it was well worth it. It’s easily his moodiest, bleakest and, dare it be said, best work to date. The album explores all aspects of depression, anguish and loneliness and it’s clear everything he needed to express was accomplished. With raw and unbridled force he attacked every lyric of every track and unashamedly acted out every mood with the theatrics only he could possibly provide.
All but a few tracks from this newest instalment were played and as is often hoped for, the set was also littered with many old classics from his enormous back catalogue necessary to round off any perfect Gary Numan gig.
Kicking off the night, local duo Rooster Police juiced up the crowd with some experimental guitar based electro that was thoroughly enjoyed.
Queue Gary Numan. Like a man on a mission, Numan approached his mic and had the small crowd absorbed by his larger than life presence instantly. The painfully atmospheric opener Resurrection prepped those present for I Am Dust, Metal, Everything Comes Down To This, Films and Here In The Black. It was a masterfully arranged and organised number of tracks blending old with the new. 2013’s Splinter and 1979’s The Pleasure Principle mixed in sweet, perfect harmony.
Although his older, more familiar tracks have been reconstructed, they aren’t over produced, therefore retaining their integrity. Numan’s back catalogue of eighties tracks were given new life with a harder more sinister edge and with monstrous drums, grating riffs and his usual soaring keys, he’s managed to revive some of the older classics. (As if they needed a helping hand!)
Lost, very much a highlight of the night, had the dead still and silent crowd reflecting before the ever-recognisable synths and drums of Cars was brought out for a surprisingly early airing. Pure followed from 2000 album of the same name. Tracks Splinter, We’re the Unforgiven and Love Hurt Bleed dripped with passion, ending a wonderful set.
The encore consisted of more ever-evolving older tracks, once again, grittier and more hardened. I Die You Die and Are Friends Electric had everyone singing along, as they do. Simply massive. My Last Day, starting soft and mellow, finished with epic intensity, ending a fucking brilliant set.
There are rumours of another album in the not too distant future. Hopefully it means this won't be the last time we get to see Gary Numan in Australia.
