SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DOUBLESPEAK – DOUBLESPEAK

DOUBLESPEAK
DOUBLESPEAK
LONDON RECORDS

Doublespeak is a supergroup of three influential and much-loved electrobeat artists from the past 40 years. Neil Arthur (Blancmange, Fader), Vince Clarke (Yazoo, Depeche Mode, Erasure), and Benge (Blancmange, Fader) have joined forces for the incredible synth-based, self-titled debut album. While aspects of their respective works can be heard throughout the music and album, this is clearly a new project, a new band, and a new sound. And in a rather interesting twist, the trio decided to record cover versions of well-known and not-so-well-known songs from the past 60 years.

​Arthur provides lead vocals, while he and the other two produce a distinct backing. In their hands, a song like David Essex’s classic “Rock On” has an electronic, almost doom-laden feel to it. Arthur’s vocals are spot on, and the sparse, minimal backing works perfectly for the song. The same can be said for their take on The Carpenters’ “Goodbye To Love;” it is stripped back, and the melancholy of the song comes to the foreground.

SPILL FEATURE: FROM OBSCURE CUTS TO NEW CLASSICS – A CONVERSATION WITH VINCE CLARKE, NEIL ARTHUR & BENGE OF DOUBLESPEAK

​The lesser-known tracks are equally interesting and brilliant. Their take on Laptop’s “End Credits” is simply stunning and the perfect way to end the album. Arthur’s voice is powerful and yet extremely vulnerable. The sparse backing adds to the album’s overall mood and feel. Opening the album with Fa Gadget’s “Back To Nature” was also a stroke of genius, as it paves the way for the listener in terms of what they can expect.

​Doublespeak is a fantastic and brilliant album. While the songs are all covers (a bonus single features two original compositions), the album sounds like Doublespeak. Not artists covering songs, but rather brand new music from a brand new band. It works on many levels. The song selection is perfect, and the album maintains a unified sound throughout. Expert playing, production, and singing make for a very strong album.

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