Richard Barbieri - Stranger Inside Richard Barbieri

From the pioneering days of Japan to the progressive soundscapes of Porcupine Tree, Richard Barbieri has continually redefined the boundaries of electronic music.

This new 2026 edition of 'Stranger Inside' revisits one of the most distinctive & immersive works in his solo catalogue, showcasing his singular approach to sound design, composition & atmosphere.

Following the success of his 2005 debut album 'Things Buried', Barbieri delved deeper into a world of intricate textures, harmonic complexity & rhythmic innovation with 2008's 'Stranger Inside'. Entirely written & produced by Barbieri, the album is a testament to his visionary approach to electronic & ambient music. It features a stellar cast of collaborators, including long-time creative partner Steve Jansen (mixing & co- arranging), Gavin Harrison (drums) & acclaimed double bassist Danny Thompson. The album also incorporates radical & atmospheric manipulations of sampled voices, including those of Tim Bowness & Suzanne Barbieri, adding an ethereal dimension to its predominantly instrumental core.

"Richard Barbieri is breaking new ground" Eclipsed

Richard Barbieri first came to prominence as a founding member of the influential band Japan, whose innovative blend of art rock, electronic music & pop helped define a generation. Albums such as 'Tin Drum' established the group's lasting legacy, while Barbieri's pioneering synthesiser work became a major influence on countless musicians. Following Japan's dissolution in 1983, he continued to explore new musical territory through numerous collaborations, co-founding the Medium label with Steve Jansen & Mick Karn before becoming an integral member of Porcupine Tree.

As a member of Porcupine Tree, Barbieri contributed to a succession of critically acclaimed & commercially successful albums, helping establish the band as one of the defining progressive rock acts of the modern era.

Presented in a CD digipack format, this new 2026 edition of 'Stranger Inside' features Steve Jansen's original 24- bit mixes, newly prepared for release & offering an exceptionally detailed & dynamic listening experience. Long regarded by Barbieri as the most faithful representation of the album's sonic character, these mixes reveal new depth & subtlety within one of his most celebrated solo works.