A transformation that competes with his earlier highs...
15 · 09 · 2025
This album marks a creative revival for Newton Faulkner, embodying more than just that; it is rich with elements that create a masterful and compelling blend of emotions.
Fans of this gifted artist will perceive this work as an evolution in both sound and lyrics. This is also how I view it, as Faulkner has consistently embraced top-notch production and the electronic experimentation he enjoys throughout his twenty-year journey. Ultimately, that is the essence of ‘OCTOPUS’.
This album displays strong acoustic foundations. This is evident in the beautiful guitars of ‘What Took You So Long’, which stands out as a personal favorite for its ability to generate forward momentum while encapsulating the essence of soul-searching through genuine lyricism. It’s a track brimming with creativity, capturing the joyful moments.
Although it is merely the second track in this fourteen-track collection, it establishes the tone for what follows. This tone indicates that listeners are embarking on a uniquely musical adventure. Whether it’s the Cage The Elephant-inspired sounds in ‘Alright Alright Alright’ or the spirited country vibes of ‘Hunting Season’, this album marks a return to Faulkner’s finest works.
Throughout ‘OCTOPUS’, the two decades of Faulkner’s musical journey are evident. The hip-hop influences in ‘Gravitational’ reflect this evolution, particularly when he famously cut off his trademark ginger dreadlocks. This significant event paved the way for his collaboration with Teenage Cancer Trust and inspired the soundscapes in his eighth studio album.
New perspectives are essential for enhancing life, which contributed to the longest interval between albums for this artist. A fresh beginning with varied creative paths led to the production of this remarkable piece. Newton Faulkner may have spent twenty years in his career, but there remains so much more to discover from him.
To conclude this review, let’s allow Faulkner’s own lyrics to encapsulate this work succinctly — come on round and cause some trouble.
8/10
Words: Josh Abraham
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This album signifies a creative revival for Newton Faulkner, but it encompasses much more; it is rich with elements that transform it into a masterful and