CD Review - Newton Faulkner

Hand Built by Robots
An old soul with a handmade guitar, husky voice and dreadlocks - now widely known for his unique version of Massive Attack’s Teardrop Newton Faulkner is here to stay. This 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Surrey has recently been voted Best Male for 2007 by high street retailer USC and is now on a sold out nationwide tour! Newton has managed to stun music lovers the world over with the release of his album Hand built by robots in July 07 reaching Number One on iTunes and Number Three in the UK album chart. He has supported James Morrison and Paulo Nutini on their sell-out tours and has been compared to the likes of Willy Mason, Amy MacDonald and Scott Mathews. Now he is in a genre of his own with his distinctive acoustic guitar playing techniques and self-effacing young voice.

It’s hard not to smile when you listen to Faulkner with his use of upbeat chords and innovative riffs and tones. The album immediately grabs your attention with an intro that can only be described as a plethora of talent rolled up into a neat little ball set to explode. The slow intro gradually reaches climax with fast beats and unique riffs that build up to the fantastic and enthralling To the Light. Now you know you are in for something special…

The entire album seems to reflect Newton’s personality and offers listeners a real insight to the genius that created it. He is able to manipulate emotional and sad songs and craft a beautiful and happy tone that contradicts the lyrics to the song. He almost tries to make light of the sad nature of the song and put it in perspective. I need something is a perfect example of this as he delicately picks the strings of his guitar and builds up to a faster beat and chords creating a positive tune that just makes you smile. He is almost trying to identify with the listener and form a bond of universal acknowledgment about issues in life that frustrate us all. In particular my favourite line is: “I’m sick and tired of getting nowhere” – evident of Newton’s old soul and honest nature that first attracts us to him.

Dream catch me is so soft and gentle and reveals something quite charming about Newton – his modesty. The song culminates in a series of enchanting chords and his husky voice just walks us through what seems like the journey of his life up to now. His songs continue to woo us as they unveil his vulnerability and endearing character.

The jewel of this album has got to be Teardrop for its incredible sense of anticipation that Newton builds with a slow start that reaches its pinnacle in the chorus. This track simply demonstrates his sheer range of skills as he creates dark almost sinister moments that capture and enthrall you and then brings you crashing down as he reveals sublime emotional flashes. Remarkable.

By this stage in the album Newton has won you over and convinced you of his talents. There is almost a sense of relief then when we reach Uncomfortably slow as Newton seems to relax and just let his gift shine through. This is such a personal song that seems to expose Newton’s character. For once he doesn’t try to transform a sad song into something upbeat and cheerful with a series of clever chord formations. This track seems to let the listener in and reinforces that bond between us and him as human beings trying to get through life.

As if that wasn’t enough Newton then completely takes you by surprise with U.F.O a clever, happy, upbeat and bizarre track. He has so many sides to his personality, that it seems impossible to think that anybody couldn’t relate to him and find him enjoyable to listen to.

Newton Faulkner is performing at Leeds University 29 February 2008 where he kicks off his UK tour. For tickets and information on other tour dates and venues please visit www.newtonfaulkner.com.