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Written by Marc Farr Saturday, 23 August 2014 14:41

In a genre in which it is quite easy to be grandiose and overdo things, this album does not go overboard.

 

There is no denying the musical brilliance of an artist like Midge Ure. From his guitar work with the classic rock band Thin Lizzy, to his electronic art with Visage and Ultravox, there are few musicians as accomplished and well-rounded as Ure.

2014 brings us his latest effort, entitled Fragile. Combining a rock ’n’ roll song structure with a classic synth-based sound, Fragile shines bright. Written, played, recorded, and produced by Ure, the album sports a rich production. Minimalist and somber at times, this is an album of subletly. While melodically strong, the mix allows the smaller nuances to show themselves.

Spotlight tracks here include album opener “I Survived,” an ethereal tune about making it through the dark times and holding onto as long as possible. “Become,” a rhythmic explosion on danceable electronica, could be a club hit. The Pink Floyd–influenced “Let It Rise” is a somber track about letting one’s inner self rise up, leaving our own solitary world behind, and the title track is a true power-pop ballad. Also featured on the album is Ure’s collaboration with Moby, who provides percussion on the track “Dark, Dark Night.”

In a genre in which it is quite easy to be grandiose and overdo things, this album does not go overboard. Melody- and mood-driven, Fragile is an honest and well-performed piece of delicious electronic music. B+ | Marc Farr