Newton Faulkner - Octopus (Cooking 
Vinyl/Battenberg Records)
Release Date: Out Now
'Alright Alright Alright' is the opening track to the latest album from Newton Faulkner and it's also a contender for single of the year in my book so it's a pretty strong start by anyone's standards. Oh, my apologies, where are my manners? Let me introduce you to 'Octopus', the brilliantly chaotic and creative new album from Newton Faulkner and the aforementioned track is the stomping, semi-gospel, Eels inspired start that grabs your attention by the throat and kisses it fully on the lips. No tongue, though. All acquainted? Good. Let's carry on then, shall we?
'What Took You So Long?' has a more recognisable guitar sound for Faulkner but blended with layered vocals and a synth sound that gives this an uplifting 80s vibe that puts quite the spring in your step. The energy levels take a step back on 'Spirit Meets the Bone' which sounds like Seasick Steve mixed with Jake Morley sprinkled with a little piano magic for good measure. The pulsating 'Snakes & Ladders' is quite the groove that lets Faulkner's voice soar while 'Honest To God' is a confessional and self-critical piece that most of us will be able to resonate with but does burst into something triumphant which is both a relief and an inspiration.
The sheer range and quality of creativity on this record is astonishing as Faulkner moves effortlessly from soulful guitar bop of 'You Make It Look So Easy' to the stripped down blues of 'Don't Make Me Beg' before pivoting to the reflective alt-folk hammering of 'Dear Life'. On 'Better For Me' Faulkner goes for a radio friendly pop melody that wouldn't sound out of place coming from Sam Ryder but it was 'Gravitational' that was released as a former single and the stylish LCD Soundsystem vibes justify that decision.
As if to prove his versatility, we get a little flavour of Bruno Mars style funk'n'soul on 'Tic Tac Toe' with some gorgeous vocal harmonising but then 'Hunting Season' brings Lissie and Los Bitchos on stage for a party song full of intoxicating rhythms, surf guitars and effortless cool. As some sort of response to the 'Better For Me' comes 'Better For You', a Curtis Mayfield inspired love song with smooth guitar, honest emotions and a simple arrangement all creating an atmosphere of pure gratitude. Ironically, 'Gratitude' is the title of the last track on this impressive collection and we're treated to an a cappella song that would melt even the hardest of hearts in any era from the 40s to today. So, there we have it, you've been fully introduced to all 14 tentacles on 'Octopus' but I suggest you make some time to get to know them better - you can thank me later.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/newtonfaulkner
Live Dates:
Mon 13th Oct – Norwich, The Waterfront
Tues 14th Oct – Manchester – Academy 3
Wed 15th Oct – Cardiff – Tramshed
Thurs 16th – Birmingham – Academy 2
Sat 18th Oct – Exeter – Lemon Grove
Sun 19th Oct – Bath – Komedia
Mon 20th Oct – Cambridge – Junction
Wed 22nd Oct – Leeds – Project House
Thurs 23th Oct – Newcastle – Northumbria Student Union
Sat 25th Oct – Aberdeen – OGV Podium
Sun 26th Oct - Glasgow – SWG3
Tues 28th Oct – Liverpool – Arts Club Theatre
Wed 29th Oct – Leicester – 02 Academy 2
Thurs 30th Oct – London – Earth Concert Hall
Thurs 13th Nov – Belfast – Limelight 1
Sat 15th Nov – Dublin – The Ambassador
Sun 16th Nov – Cork – Cyprus Avenue