Gary Numan has shared a new release, titled “Saints and Liars,” off his upcoming album, Intruder, which will be available on May 21. The album features a look into planet Earth’s reaction to human pollution and occupation.

“‘Saints and Liars’ is the Earth drawing attention to our blind faith in religion, in a fictitious God, who in reality does nothing for us, while at the same time abusing and destroying the planet, which does everything for us,” Numan said in a press statement.

The track begins with heavy synths and creeping echos, Numan’s voice slinking over the sputtering instrumentals. “This is who you are,” he cries during the song’s chorus, the track taking on a more pleading feel to highlight the destruction of the earth. Backup vocals hum over the synths, adding to the track’s eerie tone.

“Saints And Liars” follows the album’s “Intruder” and “I Am Screaming.” Each of the tracks focus on the climate crises through the Earth’s perspective, Numan announcing the album in early January. Describing the entire project, Numan ahd said, “The planet sees us as its children now grown into callous selfishness, with a total disregard for its well ebing. It feels betrayed, hurt and ravaged. Disillusioned and heartbroken it is now fighting back. Essentially, it considers human kind to be a virus attacking the planet. Climate change is the undeniable sign of the Earth saying enough is enough, and finally doing what it needs to do to get rid of us, and explaining why it feels it has to do it.”

Numan had written much of the album while in lockdown, pulling inspiration from the pandemic. With the virus forcing much of the planet’s population inside, having to remain socially distant from one another. Scientists have been considering the possibility of the pandemic being influenced by climate change.

Intruder will follow Numan’s 2017 album, Savage (Song’s From a Broken World). Speaking on streaming services, and controversy over whether artists are paid their fair share, Numan revealed that he had only received around $50 USD from a song with a million streams. Streaming services such as Bandcamp and Soundcloud have been working towards giving artists a larger share of profits.

Update 4/8/21

Gary Numan has shared a music video for the track, which features himself walking over volcanic rock and climbing up the barren mountain. Shot in black and white, the video highlights Numan’s lyrics and intention for the album, pointing toward dry landscapes and dying earth.

Photo credit: Alyssa Fried