Track Listing

1. ) Intro
2. ) To The Light
3. ) I Need Something
4. ) All I Got
5. ) Dream Catch Me
6. ) Feels Like Home
7. ) Teardrop
8. ) Gone In The Morning
9. ) Sitar-y Thing
10. ) Uncomfortably Slow
11. ) Straight Towards The Sun
12. ) People Should Smile More
13. ) She's Got The Time
14. ) UFO
15. ) Face (Her)
16. ) Aging Superhero
17. ) Lullaby

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #264 in Music
• Released on: 2007-07-30
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Newton Faulkner has toured with Paulo Nutini and James Morrison. You hear this fact far more often than you have to–-it might have made sense to expose his palatable acoustic tinkerings to those massive audiences, but that association leaves too simplistic an impression. He specialises in partially progressive, free-willed folk-pop that is on one hand too cosy and warm for mass consumption–-there’s only so much space around the beach campfire–-but on the other it’s so accessible, so infectious, so feel-good that how could it not be headed for every other car stereo in the country, windows rolled down (weather permitting). It’s not cutting edge by any stretch of the imagination; he constantly reminds of the acoustic balladry of 90s soft-metal bands Extreme and Mr Big (or at least the songs "More than Words" and "To Be with You") via modern day peers like Ben Harper, but Newton Faulkner comes with a fertile imagination and an enjoyably flexible range to dress that foundation up. His gravelly cover of Massive Attack’s "Teardrop" is notable and Jack Johnson’s a good reference for the percussive plucking of tunes like "Gone in the Morning", "To the Light" and "Feels Like Home". There are very few 17-track albums that couldn’t be improved by losing six tracks, but the consistency on Hand Built by Robots is admirable and hints at a long term talent. --James Berry

Observer Music Monthly April 2007
`Newton ripples with sunshine...his croon stretches out of brilliantly picked cascading guitar..definitely on its way to a radio near you.'

Music Week 14th May 2007
'...interest in Faulkner is fast approaching critical mass.'

Customer Reviews

A very promising newcomer
I bought this album on impulse after seeing an advert on TV and I'm now very glad for my impulsive nature! All of the other reviews already posted have hit the nail right on the head. This album is fantastic: good vocals, solid beats and rythms, what more could you as for?
I agree with the Amazon product description, it is very much a "sitting round a campfire" style of music, but I just happen to love that style!
Having read other reviews explaining the way he plays i.e. fairly complicated guitar work and doing the drum beats himself by slapping the guitar, my respect for him is huge. As a guitarist myself, listening to the tracks and trying to figure out how he's doing it brings it home. I wouldn't pass up the chance to see him live!
If you like this style of music or just want some good old fashioned good unpretentious music, give this album a go!

Excellent debut album
This album was bought for me as a birthday present, and I really like it. There's a feel-good mood throughout and you can't help be buoyed by Newton's exuberance and obvious pleasure in performing.

He's a fantastic guitarist, using a popping and slapping technique similar to Eric Roche (who was a big influence on him) or Michael Hedges, and it's refreshing to hear someone with genuine talent. He's not a bad vocalist either, though on occasions the songs sound a little like Snow Patrol. It's not ground-breaking, but it is something different to the stream of indie bands that are around at the moment, with Newton turning to a more experimental pop sound, driven by an acoustic guitar.

The quality isn't totally consistant, as a few of the tracks towards the end drop off, but the singles are likely to get stuck in your head for days, and it's hard not to be impressed by the maturity of the song-writing for the most part. Newton Faulkner will be one to watch for the future, and this is a strong debut which is definitely worth owning. I've not moved it from my stereo for days now.

He will blow you away!
I bought Newton Faulkner's cd on spec, having seen it advertised on television, and boy am I glad I did! His voice is somewhat reminiscent of Paolo Nutini's in it's richness and bluesey edge. However while there are similarities to Paolo in a few of his songs, Newton's songs are far more harmony rich and accomplished musically, with beautiful acoustic guitar and subtlely beautiful arrangements.

If you like the surf sound of Jack Johnson or Kalai then you are likely to find his style readily accessible. However, don't expect another Jack Johnson! No way, this guy has more depth: his voice has a real aching passion that hits you in the same way as Damien Rice's voice and lyrics do.

Newton Faulkner is very, very special. A rare talent. Uplifting, moving, heart-rending. I think he is going to be massive (he certainly deserves to be!)

I urge you to buy this!