Review By Glen Parkes
Peter Gabriel’s return to the music scene after over two decades of anticipation culminates in the release of ‘i/o,’ a mesmerizing 12-track album that encapsulates grace, gravity, and sheer beauty. Released on December 1st, 2023, via Real World, this album not only reaffirms Gabriel’s innate talent for crafting soul-stirring compositions but also showcases his enduring, enthralling vocals that remain as delightful as ever.
Throughout ‘i/o,’ Gabriel delves into profound themes ranging from our interconnectedness with the world to reflections on mortality, injustice, surveillance, and the intricacies of the human experience. Yet, despite these weighty subjects, the album doesn’t sink into despondency. Instead, it embarks on a musical journey marked by adventurousness, joyous melodies, and an overarching sense of hope. The closing anthem, “Live and Let Live,” resonates with rousing optimism, leaving listeners uplifted.
Recorded primarily at Real World Studios and Gabriel’s home studio, ‘i/o’ boasts a substantial ensemble of musicians. Longtime collaborators like David Rhodes, Tony Levin, and Manu Katché lend their remarkable talents, while the influence of Brian Eno and contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Richard Russell, Tom Cawley, and Soweto Gospel Choir, enrich the album’s sonic tapestry.
What sets ‘i/o’ apart is its innovative approach to sound. The album offers a unique experience with two distinct stereo mixes: the Bright-Side Mix by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent and the Dark-Side Mix reimagined by Tchad Blake. Each mix presents a different character to the songs, inviting listeners into contrasting sonic landscapes. Moreover, the inclusion of the In-Side Mix in Dolby Atmos by Hans-Martin Buff elevates the experience further, adding a three-dimensional element that immerses the audience in Gabriel’s musical universe.
Embracing the fusion of visual and auditory art, Gabriel collaborates with esteemed visual artists like Ai Weiwei, Nick Cave, and Olafur Eliasson, assigning each of the 12 songs to a different artist to create accompanying artworks, enriching the overall experience of ‘i/o.’
While ‘i/o’ may evoke echoes of Gabriel’s past work, it firmly anchors itself in the present, serving as a reminder of our temporal existence and the urgency to address global issues. Tracks like “So Much” underscore the album’s timeless yet cautionary nature, emphasizing the finite nature of our existence.
The array of formats available for ‘i/o’ demonstrates Gabriel’s commitment to providing fans with diverse listening experiences, from vinyl and CDs to innovative Blu-ray editions, showcasing the album’s intricate layers and depth in sound.
In essence, ‘i/o’ is not just an album; it’s a testament to Peter Gabriel’s enduring brilliance as an artist and a stirring exploration of the human condition. This release stands as a triumph in Gabriel’s discography and is undeniably worth the prolonged wait.
With its combination of soul-stirring melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative soundscapes, ‘i/o’ cements Peter Gabriel’s position as a visionary musician, inspiring audiences with his transcendent artistry.
1. Panopticom
2. The Court
3. Playing for Time
4. i/o
5. Four Kinds of Horses
6. Road to Joy
7. So Much
8. Olive Tree
9. Love Can Heal
10. This Is Home
11. And Still
PETER GABRIEL – NEW ALBUM: ‘i/o’ – OUT 1 DECEMBER 2023
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