Vince Clarke, Neil Arthur, and Benge launch new synth project Doublespeak
Vince Clarke, Neil Arthur, and electronic producer Benge have teamed up to form a new project, Doublespeak, revisiting and reimagining classic and cult songs from the past four decades. Their self-titled debut album is set for release on May 29.
The album includes reinterpretations of tracks ranging from post-punk favorites by Fad Gadget and Young Marble Giant to pop hits by ABBA and The Carpenters, as well as deeper cuts from the 1990s onward by The Magnetic Fields and others.
Arthur said the project highlighted the enduring quality of the songs. “What’s really stood out for us on this journey is how good these songs are. It’s from doing your own version that you realize what incredible pieces of work they are,” he said. Clarke added that revisiting lesser-known tracks made them feel like “brilliant new songs that you want to get your hands on.”
Doublespeak’s first single, a version of Fad Gadget’s “Back to the Nature,” reimagines the 1979 track in modern analogue synth textures, with the trio aiming to honor the original while giving it a contemporary edge. Other reinterpretations include a Kraftwerk-inspired take on David Essex’s “Rock On,” an analogue torch version of The Carpenters’ “Goodbye to Love,” and a digitized, paranoia-tinged reading of ABBA’s “The Visitors.”
The collaboration grew from decades of mutual respect among Clarke, Arthur, and Benge, whose previous projects include Blancmange albums and Clarke’s work with The Assembly. The seven-year process of Doublespeak draws inspiration from the ’70s, ’80s, and the ongoing analogue synth revival of the 21st century.
The album will be available on CD, standard LP, and limited-edition green ripple vinyl. Pre-orders include signed prints for early buyers. “Back to Nature” is available to stream now, with the full album out May 29.
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