Album of the Week May 20/13: Visage - 'Hearts And Knives'

Our New album of the week is 'Hearts And Knives' by new romantic pioneers Visage. It is the band's first album in 29 years.

Frontman Steve Strange reformed Visage — which split in 1985 after three albums — several years ago, recruiting the band’s latter-period bassist Steve Barnacle,  former Ultravox and Magazine guitarist Robin Simon and new singer Lauren Duvall.

About the decision to revive Visage, Strange said:

“It was a question really of all the parts falling into place. Firstly, I am at a point in my life where I have been clean for 10 years and I am happy with my life and, secondly, the positive people I now surro9und myself with —not least the members of Visage — helped to create an atmosphere where the album started to happen. It took us three years and it was no easy ride, but it’s here now and we are all really pleased with it.”

Hearts and Knives is a solid album with a pure synth sound, keeping the band's classic sounds. Welcome back Mr. Strange!

'Hearts & Knives' tracklist:

01. Never Enough
02. Shameless Fashion
03. She's Electric (Coming Around)
04. Hidden Sign
05. On We Go
06. Dreamer I Know
07. Lost In Static
08. I Am Watching
09. Diaries of a Madman
10. Breathe Life

Get your copy now: http://www.visage.cc/shop.php

Visage Unveil New Album 'Hearts & Knives' Full Details

New Romantic pioneers Visage have announced full details of their upcoming brand new album in almost 30 years, 'Hearts & Knives'. 

The album will be released on May 20 and is available to pre-order NOW in multiple formats on the band's online store. 

The Copies come with a free download of the album in its entirety. The album features their previously unveiled track "Shameless Fashion", which is par of our current playlist.

You can also order signed copies of the album which include a Steve Strange autograph, now, if your walls are bare you can order a 24x24 canvas of the album cover, so you can check out the Peter Ashworth photographed cover in all its glory.

The band recently revealed that the new album is dedicated to Martin Rushent, one of the top English record producers during the late '70s and early '80s, who died in June 2011.

'Hearts & Knives' tracklist:

01. Never Enough
02. Shameless Fashion
03. She's Electric (Coming Around)
04. Hidden Sign
05. On We Go
06. Dreamer I Know
07. Lost In Static
08. I Am Watching
09. Diaries of a Madman
10. Breathe Life

Visage New Album 'Hearts And Knives' Dedicated To Producer Martin Rushent

Visage have revealed that their forthcoming album 'Hearts And Knives' (their first album in 29 years) is dedicated to Martin Rushent, one of the top English record producers during the late '70s and early '80s, who died in June 2011.

In a message posted on their Facebook, Visage say:

The new Visage record 'Hearts And Knives' is dedicated Martin Rushent. 

For those of you who don’t know, Martin Rushent died in June 2011 and was one of England’s finest ever record producers. He is best known for his work producing 'Dare' by The Human League, however in his time he also worked with The Stranglers, Shirley Bassey, The Buzzcocks and many more. In 1978, shortly after formed Visage, Martin signed our first ever single 'Tar' to his Genetic Recordings record label. We went on to record our first album at his then new Genetic Studio. In those days it all was a bit embryonic; new gear, in a new studio with us learning as we went along. Martin would pop his head around the door a few times a day “Hi Chaps, how is it going?” as we struggled with some piece of studio gear.  

In 2010 we approached Martin to take on an executive producer role for our (at that time) nascent album idea. He kindly accepted and was more than happy to discuss production templates, song ideas and the general direction of the album. He was also halfway through a new version of 'Frequency 7' at the time of his death. Although Martin was unable to see his work through on 'Hearts and Knives' you may notice that some of his mantras, thoughts and ideas have percolated into the fibre of the record. The instrument choices, direction & the musical styling’s are all references to him.  

Thank you Martin for your immense help in getting us started in 1978 and everything since.

Martin Rushent (11 July 1948 – 4 June 2011)

Visage new album 'Hearts and Knives' will be out on May 20.

Visage Reveal "Shameless Fashion" Off Their First Album In 29 Years

New Romantic pioneers Visage are back with a brand new brilliant single titled "Shameless Fashion", taken from the band's upcoming fourth album "Hearts And Knives", their first release in 29 years.

The song is part of our current playlist www.koolrockradio.com and is is out now digitally, the CD format will be available on May 6.

Frontman Steve Strange reformed Visage — which split in 1985 after three albums — several years ago, recruiting the band’s latter-period bassist Steve Barnacle,  former Ultravox and Magazine guitarist Robin Simon and new singer Lauren Duvall.

In the band’s press kit, Strange says of the decision to revive Visage:

“It was a question really of all the parts falling into place. Firstly, I am at a point in my life where I have been clean for 10 years and I am happy with my life and, secondly, the positive people I now surro9und myself with —not least the members of Visage — helped to create an atmosphere where the album started to happen. It took us three years and it was no easy ride, but it’s here now and we are all really pleased with it.”

Stream "Shameless Fashion" below.

Visage new album 'Hearts and Knives' is to be released on 20 May 2013.
Website: http://www.visage.cc