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. Moments of Madness is multi-layered with serious messages, acute analysis, and witty observations in fun-filled lyrical and musical eccentricity. On Lasagna Hugh 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.

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.” 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. 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. 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.

Moments of Madnesss

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. Says Hugh, “It’s like I’ve got a stew pot of sounds where I’ve put in a bit of Joe Meek, a bit of Lou Reed, a flavour of The Doors, a bit of this, a bit of that and I mix it all up and it tastes good. I’m like a cook when I make records in that I don’t follow any recipe.”

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.

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. Well, I’m constantly looking for these different color Teles. But I’ll tell you one thing that I stopped and looked at because I was scratching my head. It was one of these relics. I can’t fathom what the attraction is about a relic guitar. I mean, the guitar is made to look like it’s been used, and it’s battered and beaten up. And suddenly, it’s 10 times the price?

Moments Of Madness creates a universe where Stranglers hardcore and newcomer alike can revel.” Record Collector, 4 Stars

A high watermark and a modern-day masterpiece, Moments of Madness is being tipped as the most significant album of Hugh’s illustrious career.” Velvet Thunder