Like one of those magazine series that comes with a free binder, Peter Gabriel’s first new album in over two decades has been assembling itself gradually over the past 12 months. A new song was released on the occasion of every full moon, accompanied by imagery created by major artists including Cornelia Parker and Ai Weiwei.
It’s a lengthy process, but appropriate for a set of slowly unfurling songs that are worthy of extended contemplation. Half of the 12 tracks journey past the six minute mark and the cast list is huge, including John Metcalfe’s New Blood Orchestra, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Gabriel’s daughter Melanie on backing vocals and Brian Eno on synthesizer.
