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Semi Detached is the sixth studio album by British Synth-pop band Blancmange, released in 2015. The album was the first to be created without the involvement of original member Stephen Luscombe due to his health problems.[1] Neil Arthur commenced writing material for the album in 2013-14, with recording taking place during 2014.[2] The album reached No. 22 in the UK Independent Albums Chart.[3]

Semi Detached
Studio album by Blancmange
Released	23 March 2015[1]
Length	46:32
Label	Cherry Red Records
Producer	Neil Arthur
Blancmange chronology
Happy Families Too... (2013) Semi Detached (2015) Nil by Mouth (2015)

"Paddington" was released as the album's first single on 9 March 2015. A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Tone Davies.[4] The second single, "Useless", was released on 15 May,[5] followed by "I Want More", released on 18 April as a limited edition 12" single for Record Store Day.[6][7]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[8]
The Arts Desk	[9]
Louder Than War	[10]
Mojo	[11]
MusicOMH	[12]
Q	[11]
Record Collector	[13]
Uncut	[11]

Upon release, David Jeffries of AllMusic considered the album to be a "very dark Blancmange album when compared to all the others, and quite emotionally heavy as well". He added: "Semi Detached is sincere in its distrust, distaste, and ire, and the album winds up a worthy companion for bad days or chucking it all."[8] Paul Scott-Bates of Louder Than War commented: "Arthur's Northern quirk is present throughout Semi Detached though the overall feel is darker. [It] is a modern day riposte to the Blancmange of the 80s. Still catchy, still infectious but now all grown up."[10]

Mark Elliott of Record Collector commented: "Semi Detached is a darker, icier project than any Blancmange have previously served up. A long distance from their frothier 80s form, it’s a set that shows Neil Arthur is more than capable of keeping this band on our radar for some time yet."[13] Graeme Marsh of MusicOMH wrote: "if you fancy a slightly off centre alternative to the mass appeal of more prominent electronic bands, despite a few wobbly bits here and there, then you won't go far wrong with giving this latest collection a chance."[12]

Track listing

Chart performance

Chart (2015)	Peak position
UK Independent Albums Chart[3]	22

Personnel

• Neil Arthur - lead vocals, keyboards
• David Rhodes - guitar
• Jake Parker - backing vocals
• Eleanor Arthur - backing vocals (track 3), additional vocals (track 2)
• Helen Kincaid, Joe Arthur, Tony Brook, Harvey Brook, Reed Wilson, Rupert Howe - additional vocals (track 2)

Production

• Adam Fuest - mixing
• Neil Arthur - producer
• Tim Debney - mastering

Other

• Adam Yeldham - artwork
• Helen Kincaid - asteroid painting
• Steve Malins - management

References

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