The Fugitive

Released in 1983, The Fugitive represents a unique pivot point in Tony Banks's solo career. Following the symphonic grandeur of 'A Curious Feeling', Banks opted for a more accessible, song-oriented approach, notably choosing to handle all lead vocals himself for the first and only time. This decision gives the album a distinct character within his discography; while critics at the time were mixed on his vocal range, retrospective reviews often highlight the 'charming' and 'honest' quality his voice brings to the material. Produced by Banks and Stephen Short, the album utilizes the period's cutting-edge technology, including the Linn LM-1 drum machine and various Sequential Circuits synthesizers, yet it avoids the coldness often associated with early 80s electronic music. The tracks range from the upbeat, radio-friendly 'This Is Love' to the more atmospheric, instrumental-leaning 'Moving Under'. It stands as a fascinating document of a progressive rock architect attempting to distill his complex harmonic language into the tighter constraints of 80s pop-rock.