Richard Barbieri – Hauntings

Richard Barbieri – Hauntings

Richard Barbieri remains one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. As one of the key architects of the synthesizer revolution of the late 70s/80s with David Sylvian's art-rock ensemble Japan, his visionary synth programming expanded the horizons of electronic music and left a lasting impression on artists such as The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan and Talk Talk. His subsequent and ongoing collaboration with Steven Wilson's legendary progressive band Porcupine Tree on albums such as "In Absentia" (2002), "Fear Of A Blank Planet" (2007) and most recently "Closure/Continuation" (2022) confirmed his status as one of the most intuitive and unique musicians of his generation.

'Hauntings' is Barbieri's first studio album since 'Under A Spell' (2021) and deepens the thoughtful, dark instrumental aesthetic of its predecessor. 'Hauntings' is a diverse collection of immersive soundscapes that are both somber and uplifting in equal measure, influenced by longing for the past and the future, as well as things that didn't happen but still haunt the mind and soul. What is real and what is simulation?

The album shows Barbieri at the height of his powers, his deft keyboards and sonic architecture conjuring a shadowy, creeping Lovecraftian atmosphere. The music wanders through the streets of a gloomy, lamp-lit Victorian London, drifting into grainy, mottled snapshots of Belle Époque Paris. These journeys into the past are contrasted with nihilistic but euphoric forays into the future. "Traveler" and "A New Simulation" bristle with the itchy modern anxiety that often runs through his best works.

Contrasting Barbieri's sound designs and electronics, the album features renowned musicians Morgan Agren (drums and percussion), Percy Jones (bass guitar) and Luca Calabrese (trumpet).

Tracklist:
1. Snakes & Ladders (05:33)
2. Anemoia (05:09)
3. Victorian Wraith (03:02)
4. 1890 (03:58)
5. Artificial Obsession (05:07)
6. Paris Sketch (05:47)
7. Perfect Toys (03:48)
8. Traveler (05:41)
9. Reveille (01:54)
10. Last Post (02:23)
11. A New Simulation (04:38)

Label: Kscope
Released: 2026