JOHN FOXX Vinyl & CDs

Review: Released in 1980, UK synth pioneer John Foxx's 'No-One Driving' stands as one of his starkest, most enduring solo cuts-a vision of cold, mechanised dislocation rendered in chrome-tinted synthpop. Recorded after his split from Ultravox, the track pushes deeper into Ballardian abstraction, where the human and technological dissolve into each other. The re-recorded single version trims back some of the Metamatic album's rawness in favour of crisper detail: squelching basslines, clipped drum machine patterns and lyrics that trace vanishing bodies across concrete motorways. Backed by atmospheric B-sides like 'Glimmer', 'Mr. No' and 'This City', the release captures Foxx at a creative peak, articulating isolation and futurism with minimalist control. It remains a fixture of his live shows-and a touchstone for countless electronic artists that followed.

Review: A deeply reflective solo piano album that bridges the ambient side of synthpop/electronic pioneer Foxx's career with classical music. Largely composed this in the quiet, early hours of the morning, following one of his rare live performances at Kings Place, London, he creates a serene and evocative experience. The stillness of dawn, when the piano faces a misty valley at sunrise, serves as the perfect backdrop for Foxx's contemplative compositions. The album reflects Foxx's thoughts on the enduring influence of time and the people we encounter. Each note seems to resonate with memories and fleeting moments, creating a sense of calm introspection. Drawing on his experience with electronic textures, Foxx seamlessly blends ambient sounds with classical motifs, resulting in a series of compositions that are both haunting and beautiful. Each piece offers a glimpse into Foxx's emotional landscape, where the echoes of past experiences intertwine with a peaceful acceptance of the present. A tranquil, elegant work.

Review: Wherever You Are is the sonic result, expressed through solo piano, of a bright burst of introspection experienced at home by John Foxx of Ultravox fame. Made up of compositions he created in the quiet hours following a rare performance at Kings Place, London, during the BBC Radio 3 Night Tracks event in October 2023, the majority of Wherever You Are was recorded at home, with Foxx noting that the matutinal hours are the best for minimising self-criticism, and letting creative freedom flow. Morning, on Foxx's watch, is the ideal time to play: and in stark contrast to his oblique solo LP Metamatic, Foxx's latest is a mono-instrumental monument to personal tranquility and contentment. It reiterates the importance of quietude and temperance as crucial start-points for navigating the complex world we face today.

Review: John Foxx's Metamatic (45th Anniversary Edition) is a striking landmark in British electronic pop, a product of the late 70s sonic revolution. Recorded at Pathway Studios, the album emerged from a gritty eight-track cupboard in Islington. With Gareth Jones at the helm, Foxx distanced himself from conventional rock, diving deep into electronic sounds inspired by the dystopian visions of J.G. Ballard. The result is a minimalist yet provocative collection that paved the way for future genres. Metamatic remains an essential listen for any music aficionado.

Review: A founder member of Ultravox and all round synth pop godfather sits at the piano on his lonesome here, after many years of collaborating with Harold Budd and Ruben Garcia. The Arcades Project is a step backward into more refined, quiet artistry and minimal compositions with a candlelit late-night vibe and engaging and emotional flow. A text by Walter Benjamin formed part of the inspiration for the work and is "a sort of stroll through new ideas emerging from the city life of Paris in the 19th and early 20th century." The resulting sounds delightfully airy and inquisitive.

Review: Among that coterie of visionary artists who left their bands to fly solo on the cusp of abundant riches and fame, John Foxx flew from Ultravox in 1980 to pursue his own creative vision. He quickly cemented his own style with albums like Metamatic and The Garden, but arguably delivered the fullest iteration of his sound on this 1983 album. The Golden Section straddles synth-pop and pop rock with ease, and it stands shoulder to shoulder with the greatest of the era. From his former band to Duran Duran and even moire niche concerns like Freur, this is the sound of the new dawn for pop music in the UK as the vast possibilities of synthesis were finally being understood.