CD Blancmange – Semi Detached

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.