Shape Of Things

2012 release. The Shape of Things is a collaboration between John Foxx and electronic composer and synthesizer collector Benge (Ben Edwards). The latter is best known for his 2007 album Twenty Systems, which Brian Eno described as a brilliant contribution to the archeology of electronic music. The follow-up to their critically acclaimed Interplay album (META 028CD/LP, 2011), The Shape of Things was recorded and mixed at Benge's studio in London. Like Interplay, it's the sound of analog synthesizers and drum machines - and on one track feed-backing guitars played by John Foxx himself. There's a raw, experimental edge to much of the material on the album, which is linked together by a series of instrumentals. Although not overtly autobiographical, the tone of the songs is a lot more reflective and emotional than the duo's previous work. Many of the lyrics explore feelings of loss over opportunities and lovers missed - possible futures that remain unlived. Machines built decades before the album's creation conjure an atmospheric, rough-edged accompaniment for this set of feelings and atmospheres. It's both analog and forward-looking - echoes the past while remaining futuristic - a strange push and pull that mirrors the words perfectly. John Foxx formed Ultravox! In the '70s and has worked with a wide range of artists since including Brian Eno, Xeno & Oaklander, The Soft Moon, Krautrock producer Conny Plank, Paul Daley from Leftfield, Cocteau Twins guitarist Robin Guthrie, and I, Robot (2004) director Alex Proyas. CD includes two bonus tracks featuring appearances from Matthew Dear and Tara Busch.