For “Stranger Inside”, Richard Barbieri has again called in the help of some old friends. Steve Jansen co-arranged pieces and took on mixing duties, while Steven Wilson (frontman of aforementioned Porcupine Tree) mastered the final results. Tim Bowness of No Man also showed up in the studio to add some vocals, which Barbieri later processed to haunting effect. With Gavin Harrison on Drums and Double Bass Maestro Danny Thompson (currently involved in the resurrection of Folk-Rock-Jazz band Pentangle), Richard Barbieri gathered just the right personnel to ensure the album would sound exactly the way he wanted.

First clips of the record, available from a special microsite, suggest dense textures and diverse moods. Richard Barbieri has certainly placed an equal emphasis on timbre, sound, melody and production, turning “Stranger Inside” into a both appealing and challenging listen. For anyone interested in more than just the studio outings of Barbieri, there is good news as well: Porcupine Tree will embark on a short European tour in October.

Homepage. Richard Barbieri
Homepage: Snapper Records