MOMENTS OF MADNESS

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Widely regarded as the poet laureate of the punk era (from his early career fronting the Stranglers to his transition as a solo artist), Hugh Cornwell has built a substantial and singular body of impressive solo albums. His tenth solo opus, Moments of Madness, continues his illustrious output by experimenting with musical genres as his enviable reputation as a wordsmith resounds across this album’s songs. Lasagna” is equal parts Graham Parker and The Stones’ “Not Fade Away” and is a moment of light and fun on a record that isn’t exactly full of either. More typical is the heavy, claustrophobic air that swirls around on “Heartbreak At Seven”. But my goodness it is done well. Widely regarded as the poet laureate of the punk era (from his early career fronting the Stranglersto his transition as a solo artist), Hugh Cornwellhas built a substantial and singular body of impressive solo albums. His tenth solo opus, Moments of Madness, continues his illustrious output by experimenting with musical genres as his enviable reputation as a wordsmith resounds across this album’s songs. Illustrious, multi-talented and a legend, with Moments of Madness, Hugh Cornwell has produced a timely and thought-provoking masterpiece for our times. Look out for our forthcoming interview with Hugh Cornwell in the Beat magazine.

Widely regarded as the poet laureate of the punk era (from his early career fronting the Stranglers to his transition as a solo artist),Hugh Cornwellhas built a substantial and singular body of impressive solo albums. His tenth solo opus, Moments of Madness, continues his illustrious output by experimenting with musical genres as his enviable reputation as a wordsmith resounds across this album’s songs. The song “Moments of Madness” is about pain, but it doesn’t have the humor of Queen’s “I’m Going Slightly Mad.” This is far more within the asylum and born from society’s decline, rather than an attempt to smile at the insanity around us. The mantra of madness becomes a chant, a descent to insanity.It had been another interesting experience to be in the company of a legend, but sadly it did all feel rather staid and had an strong air of going through the motions about it, which no doubt had been amplified by the standoffish crowd, bar a few that were competing with the “I love you Hugh” shouts. A positive though, was that the merch stall was doing brisk business as Hugh was there to sign albums. So the punters were showing their appreciation in another way. For me, it was nice to also catch up with old friends. Hugh Cornwell and Pat Hughes at Concorde 2, Brighton 12.11.22 (pic Cris Watkins/ PunkInFocus)

When future historians of music draw up a list of the movers and shakers who changed the modern musical landscape, there will be no doubt that Hugh Cornwell's name will be prominent amongst them. As a pioneering musician, songwriter, and performer his pervasive influence persists in the record collections of music aficionados, across this spinning globe's radio waves, and on stages around the world. Hugh's presence is unquestionable. Born in Tufnell Park, North London, Hugh attended school with another celebrated musician Richard Thompson before achieving a degree in biochemistry. He performed his first solo gigs at restaurants owned by celebrated TV chef Keith Floyd who used The Strangler's Peaches music on his food programmes. The pioneering musician, songwriter, and performer’s evening was divided into two sets of thirteen songs followed by twelve tunes, with the first being his solo material from 1988 to the present day, and the second being tunes from 1977 to 1984 of his time with The Stranglers, where he was the main songwriter of the band’s many memorable songs. This set included some Stranglers classics, plus a few that have never performed live before. Looking for You reveals a Jim Morrison-inspired vocal over this song’s spooky atmospherics, and the semi-autobiographical and upbeat When I Was a Young Man opens a can of insightful, wistful emotions “As years go by and friends, they die they leave me living slow,” Hugh sombrely sings as he reflects upon his family and friends. A high watermark and a modern-day masterpiece, Moments of Madnessis being tipped as the most significant album of Hugh’s career.Four years since his previous remarkable solo album Monster, the opener, and first single, Coming Out of the Wildernesssurfs an edgy and explosive sixties sound with a heavy Duane Eddy guitar twang as Hugh declares, “I’m coming out of the wilderness, learnt how to throw a bowie knife. Ran into fair-haired maiden’s out there but didn’t take no wife.” days ago LIES!: Dutch metallic hardcore gang drops video for “Propaganda” (ft. Hugo Zerrad – Worst Doubt) via Invisible Oranges; 2nd album comes early December When was the last time you stopped to stare in a guitar shop window or browse online, and what were you looking at? Moments of Madnessis multi-layered with serious messages, acute analysis, and witty observations in fun-filled lyrical and musical eccentricity. On LasagneHugh tells the story about his Italian friends who live in Mexico and make the best lasagne he has ever tasted. As always, Cornwell communicates with a biting humour in all the right places. I don’t mind different types of jewellery, show it to me, just feel free’, could be I’m missing the artistry” opines Hugh on Red Rose – a song about the bewildering trend for tattoos revealing a record of many gleaming lyrical gems.