Coming the best part of four years after his last full length outing UK songsmith Newton Faulkner’s 7th studio album Interference (of light) continues to see him progress further into the contemporary mainstream and away from his folk styled origins with a jam packed running order of 17 new songs recorded in his very own studio in London village. Having enjoyed a hugely successful career to date (notably kick-started with his double platinum debut “Hand built by robots” way back in 2007) principally as singer / songwriter and folksy guitarist with a distinctively percussive (and technically pretty complex) guitar styling on Interference (of light) Newton Faulkner has, by his own assessment “moved on” and looks to draw from a wider palate of sounds and influences introducing an often heavier sound with funk, soul and rock influences clattering around in a veritable smorgasbord. There’s nothing wrong with that, Change is good right?
Interference (of light) certainly highlights Faulkner’s vocal development throughout and pleasingly tuneful vocal arrangements pepper the whole album. Although don’t be looking for any poignant lyrical content ‘cos it ain’t there. The songs here are for singing along to, by and large, and do not court controversy or require deep dissection. There is, for sure, less Oxygen given to his guitar playing prowess too but it is still there to be admired albeit less central to the songs overall. So yes, eminently accessible and easily “heard” Interference (of light) has “drive time appeal” and is probably going to have a huge cross cultural impact and global appeal that will serve our Newton well.
Best cuts: Opener “Sinking sand” with glam rock styling and hints of Paolo Nutini and “Killing time”; a no holds barred anthemic festival banger (whose sentiment chimes beautifully with these weird times) owing more than a passing nod to Snow Patrol at their goose bump inducing best.
7/10
REVIEW BY VON GOLOKA
INTERFERENCE (OF LIGHT) TRACK LISTING
1. Sinking Sand
2. Cage
3. Back
4. Riding High
5. Four Leaf
6. Killing Time
7. Here Tonight
8. Better Way
9. World Away
10. I Can Pretend
11. Leave Me Lonely
12. Together
13. The Sun Is Coming Up
14. Rest Of Me
15. Ache For You
16. Its Getting Late
17. Interference (F@&k I Think it’s Love)
CONNECT WITH NEWTON FAULKNER
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
