Gig + Album Review: Newton Faulkner - “OCTOPUS”
Newton Faulkner @ Rough Trade Bristol, 24th Sept 2025
It’s very likely you’ve heard the name Newton Faulkner - maybe his 2007 breakout hit ‘Dream Catch Me’ is in a playlist or two of your own - but if you haven’t been keeping up with his recent work, I am sure that it will delightfully surprise you. I had the chance to catch Faulkner playing an in-store performance at Bristol’s Rough Trade, as he travels the UK & Ireland to promote the release of his new album ‘OCTOPUS’.
‘OCTOPUS’ is the epitome of genre-bending. Retaining his known acoustic sound paired with powerhouse vocals, each song contains intricately interweaved elements of funk, soul, rock, and just all-round optimism. You never know what you’re in for the whole way through, but what prevails is a strong sense of confident exploration and experimentation. The album has been described as an ‘evolution’ frequently, and I agree: his clear passion for the craft of songwriting and sound building shines through his refinement.
Identifying as a humble Newton Faulkner appreciator myself, I wasn’t quite sure what would transpire in this small, low-ceilinged venue, but the performer’s stage presence instantly set the tone. Humbly conversing with the packed room, an acoustic guitar draped over his neck and decked out with specially constructed ‘midi shoes’ (More about these later! Seriously cool!), it’s clear that Faulkner knows his broad audience to a tee. This humble tone immediately created community amongst strangers with ease, as they lovingly heckled and laughed along with any minor musical mistakes. And when the setlist strayed further towards the older hits, the room was more united than ever.
Standing near the far reaches of the room (and being short), it took me a few songs to realise Faulkner was a complete and full one-man-band. His technologically-advanced-tap-shoes allowed him to emit drums, snares, samples, just with the kick of a heel or toe. Paired with his signature fingerstyle guitar and unflinching voice, Newton Faulkner demonstrated a sincere confidence in his own musical journey, and it was infectious!
Just like the lyricism in ‘OCTOPUS’, Faulkner delivered an honest and open performance. It was refreshing to be invited to relate to a performer in this sense. In this age of hyper-seriousness and too-cool-for-school musicians, Newton Faulkner managed to cultivate an atmosphere that didn’t depend on a perfect venue or a perfect sound system. His relatability made it incredibly easy to connect with not only his sensational music, but himself as a songwriter / guitar expert / human being.
Newton Faulkner is currently touring the UK & Ireland for the next two months. Check to see if he’s playing near you here and make sure to go along for an all-round fantastic evening!
OCTOPUS Album Review
There’s a lot of talk about ‘cross-genre’ or ‘genre-bending’ albums these days. The blurring of musical boundaries is more common than ever, especially as technology advances, cultures connect, and the internet brings to light music you would have never casually stumbled across even just 10 years ago. I’m a huge fan of anything that can’t be categorised or defined musically, so delving into Newton Faulkner’s new album ‘OCTOPUS’, released via Cooking Vinyl, was a delicious experience.
Faulkner has been in the scene longer than most, rising to fame with acoustic belter Dream Catch Me in 2007, but he hasn’t slowed down since. The era of ‘OCTOPUS’ is defined by a loss of limitation. Rising to fame when he did, social and industry expectations were rife, so an infectious sense of freedom can be felt as soon as you press play on this record.
Collaborating with artists like Los Bitchos, Lissie, and Bloom Twins, Faulkner crafts an album that doesn’t stop growing: a purposeful theme. Tracks like Spirit Meets the Bone and Don’t Make Me Beg feature refined finger-plucked acoustic guitar, very ‘Dirty Projectors’-esque, that build into cathartic releases of belting vocals.
Every build and release gives the impression that each track contains multitudes: of thought, of technical skill, of emotion. Alongside the rockier influences, there are several pockets of summery funk and soul that burst with vibrancy. Hunting Season is an instant summer Saturday BBQ classic.
You Make It Look So Easy is a huge stand out track for me. With one of the funkiest basslines I’ve heard in recent times, this track feels like it was made to lift spirits. Indulging in dancier sounds may have seemed like a big swing for Faulkner, but it absolutely lands.
To complete the emotional cycle of the album, the quieter moments, like Better For You and Gratitude, provide perspective. Just in case you forgot his roots, Faulkner reminds you that once you’re all done dancing, the slower moments can be just as impactful.
‘OCTOPUS’ deserves to be considered alongside and separated from Faulkner’s existing body of work. There’s a distinct shift from his well-known singles, but in the best way possible. It’s clear that Newton Faulkner makes music because he loves making it.
This type of musical experimentation is upheld by confidence, passion, and refinement, and it’s easy to see (or hear) the joy that this new era brings him, as a songwriter and performing musician. Faulkner plays to his strengths, in as many new and exciting ways as he feels fit. Here’s to more genre-bending albums from big names!
Find out more about Newton Faulkner below
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Written by Katie Coxall
Opinion
