A fresh collaboration is breathing fresh life into the sounds of synth-pop’s golden age. Erasure’s Vince Clarke, Blancmange’s Neil Arthur, and electronic producer Benge have joined forces as Doublespeak, a project centered around reimagining a diverse collection of classic and cult songs. The group’s debut album, simply titled Doublespeak, is set for release on May 29th, offering a unique analogue electronica spin on tracks that span decades and genres.
The seeds of this unlikely supergroup were sown in 2017. Arthur, having previously contributed to a track on Vince Clarke’s project, The Assembly, proposed a collaboration focused on reinterpreting some of their shared musical favorites. “It started as a conversation about songs we both loved and thinking how we could approach them differently,” Arthur explained. The addition of Benge, a longtime collaborator with Arthur – having worked together on the Fader project and co-produced six Blancmange albums – completed the trio.
Doublespeak isn’t simply a collection of covers; the artists describe it as a “shadow autobiography” of their collective musical education. The 11-track album draws from a surprisingly broad range of influences, encompassing post-punk pioneers like Fad Gadget and The Sound, alongside iconic pop acts such as ABBA and The Carpenters. The tracklist similarly includes deeper cuts from artists like The Magnetic Fields, Ed Dowie, and Laptop, showcasing a willingness to explore lesser-known corners of musical history.
The project’s first offering, a reimagining of Fad Gadget’s 1979 track “Back To The Nature,” was released on Wednesday, March 25th. The song, originally the second release on Mute Records following Daniel Miller’s debut as The Normal, provides a compelling glimpse into the band’s approach. You can listen to the track here.
For each member, the process of revisiting these songs has been a revealing experience. Clarke, known for his work with Yazoo, Depeche Mode, and of course, Erasure, found himself approaching familiar territory with fresh ears. “I knew so little about some of these songs that they were like demos to me,” he shared. “They felt like brilliant new songs that you want to get your hands on. I’ve had people do cover versions of my songs and honestly there’s no better tribute. So that’s what we wanted to do here.”
Benge echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the excitement of re-synthesizing classic tracks. “For me it was the excitement of hearing these great songs re-synthesized into new forms in the studio. It was such an honour to be part of it,” he said. Arthur added, “What’s really stood out for us on this journey is how good these songs are. It’s from doing your own version that you realise what incredible pieces of work they are.”
The formation of Doublespeak arrives at a complex time for Neil Arthur, coming after the death of Stephen Luscombe, keyboardist and founding member of Blancmange, who passed away in September 2023 at the age of 70. Arthur publicly shared his grief on social media, writing, “Heartbroken. RIP Stephen. Love you forever.”
Clarke’s involvement in Doublespeak also follows a period of individual exploration. In late 2023, he released his debut solo album, Songs Of Silence, and previously reflected on his early fascination with synthesizers, sparked by his experiences working alongside Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). He collaborated with OMD on a remix of their song “Almost” in 2018, a project he described as formative. More on that collaboration can be found here.
The appeal of Doublespeak lies not just in the pedigree of its members, but in its thoughtful approach to familiar material. By stripping these songs down and rebuilding them with an analogue electronica aesthetic, the trio isn’t simply recreating the past; they’re offering a new perspective on songs that have already stood the test of time. This project, born from a shared love of music and a desire to explore its hidden depths, promises to be a compelling listen for fans of synth-pop and beyond.
Here is the full tracklist for Doublespeak:
- ‘Back To Nature’ (originally by Fad Gadget)
- ‘Brand – New – Life’ (Young Marble Giants)
- ‘The Visitors’ (ABBA)
- ‘I Can’t Escape Myself’ (The Sound)
- ‘Goodbye To Love’ (The Carpenters)
- ‘Rock On’ (David Essex)
- ‘Smoke And Mirrors’ (The Magnetic Fields)
- ‘Day Breaks, Night Heals’ (Thomas Leer and Robert Rental)
- ‘Gentle On My Mind’ (John Hartford)
- ‘Richard!’ (Ed Dowie)
- ‘End Credits’ (Laptop)
Doublespeak is available for pre-order now at this link. The album is scheduled for release on May 29th, and the band is expected to share further details regarding potential live performances in the coming months. Fans can stay updated on the project’s progress through the band’s official channels.
The release of Doublespeak marks a fascinating chapter in the careers of three influential figures in electronic music. As they continue to explore the intersection of past and present, the project offers a compelling reminder of the enduring power of song and the creative possibilities that emerge when artists revisit their musical roots.
What do you think of this new collaboration? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow synth-pop enthusiasts!
