Richard Barbieri, Thing Buried F

Richard Barbieri: The Synth Wizard Behind Things Buried

Richard Barbieri is a renowned musician, composer and sound designer who has been creating innovative and experimental music for over four decades. He is best known as the keyboardist of the progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, which he joined in 1993, and as a former member of the new wave band Japan, which achieved commercial success in the early 1980s.

But Barbieri is also a prolific solo artist who has released three albums under his own name: Things Buried (2004), Stranger Inside (2008) and Planets + Persona (2017). In this article, we will focus on his debut solo album, Things Buried, which showcases his mastery of synthesizers, programming and sound design.

What is Things Buried

Things Buried is a collection of nine instrumental tracks that explore various moods, atmospheres and textures. The album was recorded between 1999 and 2003, mostly at Barbieri's home studio in London. It features contributions from his former Japan and Rain Tree Crow bandmates Steve Jansen on drums and percussion, Mick Karn on fretless bass and David Sylvian on guitar. It also includes guest appearances by Andy Gangadeen on drums, Percy Jones on fretless bass and Tim Bowness on vocals.

The album was released in 2004 by Intact Records, a label founded by Barbieri and Jansen. It was later reissued by Kscope Records in 2007 with a new cover art and a super jewel case packaging. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised its diversity, originality and creativity.

What are the highlights of Things Buried

Things Buried is an album that rewards repeated listening, as each track reveals new layers of sonic detail and emotional depth. Here are some of the highlights of the album:

Nevada: The opening track sets the tone for the album with a cinematic soundscape that evokes a desert landscape. The track features a haunting guitar melody by Sylvian, a pulsating bass line by Karn and a hypnotic drum groove by Gangadeen.

Fear And Trembling: The second track is a dark and tense piece that reflects Barbieri's interest in horror films. The track features distorted synth sounds, eerie vocal samples and a menacing bass line by Jones.

Light On Glass: The third track is a contrast to the previous one, as it offers a soothing and serene atmosphere. The track features a delicate piano melody by Barbieri, a warm synth pad and a gentle vocal by Bowness.

Drops Of Mercury: The fourth track is a complex and dynamic composition that showcases Barbieri's skill as a programmer and sound designer. The track features multiple synth layers that create a rich and varied sonic palette.

Flaw: The fifth track is a minimalist and melancholic piece that features a simple piano motif by Barbieri, accompanied by subtle synth sounds and effects.

Medication Time: The sixth track is a playful and quirky piece that features a catchy synth riff by Barbieri, a funky bass line by Karn and a groovy drum beat by Jansen.

Red Square: The seventh track is an epic and dramatic piece that features a powerful synth chord progression by Barbieri, an orchestral string arrangement by Jansen and a soaring guitar solo by Sylvian.

Path Not Taken: The eighth track is a reflective and nostalgic piece that features a nostalgic piano melody by Barbieri, enhanced by synth sounds and effects.

Why should you listen to Things Buried

Things Buried is an album that showcases Richard Barbieri's talent as a musician, composer and sound designer. It is an album that offers a diverse range of musical styles, from ambient to rock, from experimental to melodic. It is an album that demonstrates Barbieri's ability to create captivating soundscapes that stimulate the imagination and touch the emotions. It is an album that deserves to be heard by anyone who appreciates creative aa16f39245