Stranger Inside

Description

THE 2008 SOPHOMORE SOLO ALBUM FROM THE JAPAN AND PORCUPINE TREE KEYBOARDIST

RELEASED ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME

As a member of the new-wave pioneers Japan, Richard Barbieri was a leader in creating the ground-breaking synthesiser sound and use of electronic equipment that influenced a generation of artists. Together, the band recorded five studio albums culminating in the ground-breaking 'Tin Drum', which stayed in the UK Albums Chart for a year. Following Japan, Barbieri joined Steven Wilson in the formative years of the legendary progressive outfit Porcupine Tree, playing keyboards on all the band's albums since 1993 as well as releasing two striking solo albums: 'Things Buried' and 'Stranger Inside'.

His ear for composing unique soundscapes and synth textures recently led to collaborations with other talented composers, such as Steve Hogarth (Marillion), Steve Jansen & Mick Karn (Japan) and Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree).

Barbieri's second solo album, 'Stranger Inside', followed the artistic and critical success 'Things Buried', further developing his unique sound. Writing and producing the album himself, the album includes contributions from long-term creative partners Steve Jansen (mixing/co-arranging), Steven Wilson (mastering), Gavin Harrison (drums) and the legendary double bass player, Danny Thompson (Pentangle). Although instrumental in nature, most tracks feature radical and atmospheric manipulations of the sampled voices of Tim Bowness and Suzanne Barbieri.

This new to vinyl edition of 'Stranger Inside' is released in tandem with his second solo album, Things Buried, and following the release of his 'Variants' series on vinyl. It is presented as a 2LP in wide spine packaging.

Description

LEGENDARY KEYBOARD PLAYER & COMPOSER RICHARD BARBIERI'S

SECOND ALBUM 'STRANGER INSIDE' REISSUED

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From the pioneering days of Japan to the progressive soundscapes of Porcupine Tree, Richard Barbieri has continually redefined the boundaries of electronic music. With this new 2024 edition of 'Stranger Inside', Barbieri revisits a unique & fascinating chapter in his career, showcasing his groundbreaking synthesiser work & mastery of composition.

Following the success of his 2005 debut album 'Things Buried', Barbieri delved deeper into a world of intricate textures, harmonic complexity & rhythmic innovation with 2008's 'Stranger Inside'. Entirely self-written & produced, this album is a testament to Barbieri's visionary approach to sound design. It features a stellar lineup of collaborators, including longtime partners Steve Jansen (mixing/co-arranging), Steven Wilson (mastering), Gavin Harrison (drums) & the iconic double bassist Danny Thompson. The album also introduces radical & atmospheric manipulations of sampled voices, namely Tim Bowness & Suzanne Barbieri's, to provide an ethereal dimension to its primarily instrumental core.

"Richard Barbieri is breaking new ground" ECLIPSED

Richard Barbieri's illustrious career began as a founding member of the influential new-wave band Japan, where his revolutionary synth work helped shape the sound of an era. The success of albums like 'Tin Drum' in 1981, which remained in the UK charts for an entire year, solidified Japan's place in music history. After Japan disbanded at the height of their fame in 1983, Barbieri continued to break new ground, creating the Medium record label in 1993 with fellow ex-Japan members Steve Jansen & Mick Karn before taking his place in Steven Wilson's legendary progressive outfit Porcupine Tree shortly after.

Porcupine Tree garnered multiple Grammy nominations & achieved worldwide acclaim, cementing their status as one of rock's most revered bands with landmark albums such as 'In Absentia', 'Deadwing' & most recently, 2022's 'Closure/Continuation'.

This 2024 edition of 'Stranger Inside' is presented on black vinyl as part of a double LP package.