| Semi Detached | |
| Type: | Album |
| Artist: | Blancmange |
| Cover: | Blancmange Semi Detached 2015 Album Cover.jpg |
| Released: | 23 March 2015[1] |
| Length: | 46:32 |
| Label: | Cherry Red Records |
| Producer: | Neil Arthur |
| Prev Title: | Happy Families Too... |
| Prev Year: | 2013 |
| Next Title: | Nil by Mouth |
| Next Year: | 2015 |
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]
"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]
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." 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."
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." 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."