| 1 | The Fall | 8:08 |
| 2 | I Want More | 3:57 |
| 3 | Paddington | 3:56 |
| 4 | It Didn’t Take Long | 4:24 |
| 5 | MKS Lover | 4:17 |
| 6 | Like I Do | 3:34 |
| 7 | Deep In The Mine | 4:43 |
| 8 | Acid | 4:23 |
| 9 | Useless | 3:27 |
| 10 | Bloody Hell Fire | 5:48 |
Blancmange returns with Semi Detached, the sixth studio album from the iconic British synth-pop project. Released in 2015 via Cherry Red Records, this album marks a significant milestone as the first release lead solely by Neil Arthur following the departure of original member Stephen Luscombe due to illness. The result is a darker, icier, and more atmospheric collection that bridges the gap between vintage 80s nostalgia and modern electronic experimentation.
The album is characterized by thick layers of analogue synth tones, "8-bit" computer sounds, and Arthur’s quintessentially distinctive, moody vocals. From the sprawling eight-minute opener "The Fall"—an ode to the legendary band of the same name—to the dense, dubstep-influenced textures of "Paddington," Semi Detached offers a sophisticated alternative to mainstream electronic music.
Featured Track Highlights:
- "I Want More": A dance-orientated cover of the Krautrock classic by Can.
- "Acid": A club-ready track blending Middle Eastern influences with disco pulses.
- "Useless": A cutting, rhythmic single featuring Arthur’s trademark lyrical wordplay.
- "MKS Lover": A standout instrumental layering clattering percussion with "squelchy" beats.
- "Bloody Hell Fire": A brilliant, aggressive closer that marks some of the band's darkest work to date.
Reaching No. 22 on the UK Independent Albums Chart, Semi Detached is a brave continuation of the Blancmange legacy, proving that Neil Arthur remains a vital force in the electronic genre.
