When we last met him, David Sylvian was embracing burning trees in the forest of his feelings, trying to come to terms with disintegration of his long-lasting the road for a series of intimate concerts in Japan and Europe, he temporarily withdrew from a project he started working on with his brother, Steve Jansen, back in 2002. Slowly healing wounds allowed him, however, to involve once again into that collaboration and having been introduced to the music by Burnt Friedman, he instantly knew that person would be ideal "gelling force" to aid their efforts. Friedman proved to be an excellent co-ordinator and in April 2004 he presented to David some pieces of their work in various stages of completion. Sylvian decided, however, that this time he has to compliment the blemish-like minimalism with much fuller, wider, more dynamic and varied sound; that this time he needs tracks that would be more structurally traditional, rooted in his classic records like "Secrets Of The Beehive" or "Dead Bees On A Cake". In order to achieve that, not only did he pick up the guitar and the keyboards but also invited the names new to his usual entourage (a Swedish singer, Stina Nordenstam and a Norwegian trumpeter - Arve Henriksen), as well as his old friend - Ryuichi Sakamoto. The album continues to explore the motifs and issues introduced on "Blemish", although this time Sylvian perceives them from a different, calmer perspective and in much broader sense. This time he takes a look on the post 9/11 America pondering the two faced nature of reality and the increase of prejudice. It is only later that he directs this look inwards. Peaceful, very intricate arrangements and ever-present trumpet, so characteristic for his works, make this album flow. Let "History Of Holes" be the greatest example. Probably the best track on the album evokes the atmosphere of all those gorgeous ballads filling "Dead Bees On A Cake". Utterly charming "Atom And Cell" along with "Banality Of Evil" keep up the impression. The album does not lack a heavier note, though. "Darkest Birds" with its up-tempo, dynamic chorus has every feature of a gripping hit single. The final piece, "The Librarian", accentuated with mellow clarinet tones beautifully closes the record lullaby-style. "Once a playground of swings, then malice set in / And reduced all the colours to winter" "Winter was difficult" said Sylvian commenting on "Snow Borne Sorrow". Even though borne from the snowflake-covered misery, I recommend it highly for those long white winter nights. Teraz Rock, May 2005 The album is being promoted with the first digital single that can be purchased exclusively through www.samadhisoundshop.com. The track in mp3 format comes with an illustration by Chris Biggs. [  back to the top