Revisited: Replicas (Tubeway Army)
In the late 1970s, two big forces came together. First, there was Beggars Banquet a record label who had been championing punk and the DIY aspects of British music and on the other hand there was Tubeway Army. Tubeway Army signed to the label during this period and set about making an album fitting of the era. However, things changed the moment one Gary Numan walked in to the recording studio. In the studio he noticed a little mini moog keyboard in the corner of the room. The rest as they say is history.
Instead of writing this promised punk album, Numan and Tubeway Army came up with 'Replicas' a full bloodied electronic new wave album which completely shook up the punk scene. The album was written based on stories that Numan used to write. The theme was science fiction which is apparent throughout the album and is most noticeable on "Are 'Friends' Electric?". The song is about a futuristic world where robots can be brought for certain needs, these needs needs being sexual. Along with the science fiction theme within the lyrics, the music added more interesting and mysterious sounds creating a sound which now is quite tame, but back then would have sounded like it was from another world.
Throughout the album, the synths take centre stage and are used to full effect. The powerful intro on 'Down In The Park' is enough to make walls shake if played loud enough, and the hook beneath the chorus of 'The Machman' add depth and texture to the album. In fact, 'The Machman' instrumentally is quite fitting of the era. The guitars are distorted and the bass likewise is quite heavy. 'Down In The Park' is a very eerie song. The way Numan's voice wails softly over the synths like a whistle amongst the wind gives the song a real sci-fi feel.
This album opened the doors for various bands to experiment with synths and create a fresher style of music but at the same time, one that was mysterious. 'Replicas' is a very clever album. It combines lots of elements of genres and creates the sound that would define a new one.
8.5/10
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