Wishing to find himself within the context of a band (which would certainly be an exciting temporary change from his solo endeavours), Sylvian decided to contact former Japan members. He suggested entering the studio without any preconceived ideas, any time constraints and in the spirit of improvisation. Although the recording room comprised all Japan ex-members, it was imperative for Sylvian not to release any new material under the old brand name. A one-off reunion was simply out of question. Things began to go wrong when the project's funds suddenly ran out. Allegedly, at that point, the record company presented an ultimatum: Virgin is keen to financially secure the completion of the new album by the band Japan. The relationship between the bandmates soured immediately when it turned out that contrary to his colleagues, Sylvian remained adamant and suggested funding sessions from his own assets in return for full control over the material. To others it was a blatant act of betrayal. Equally uncomfortable with the whole situation, Sylvian retreated to the studio to polish the tracks. In February 1991 Virgin Records announced the forthcoming album of Rain Tree Crow - a band formerly known as Japan. Given the painful labour that the album and the musicians had to go through, the result (finally released in April) turned out to be truly exceptional. The new-born record was engulfed in an atmosphere that is perhaps best communicated by the album's mesmerising cover - dark, brooding, yet brightened up in places by a few beams of sunlight. Filled with heart-rending resignation, "Every Colour You Are" finds its contrast in one of the most beautiful pieces of Sylvian's career - "Blackwater". It may be fairly said that it is also the most accessible amongst the other tracks on "Rain Tree Crow", as the album is far from being an easy-listening experience. Next to more harmonious or even contemplative music, there lie pieces of much more dynamic facade (the album's opening - "Big Wheels In Shanty Town" or, gradually picking up its energy, "Black Crow Hits Shoe Shine City") and also airy instrumental sketches like "New Moon At Red Deer Wallow" or "Red Earth (As Summertime Ends)". "Pocketful Of Change" grasps one's attention with Richard Barbieri's beautiful autumn-hued electronic treatments. It is above all a fascinating album of contrasts. Avant-garde and minimalist, and at the same time branded with a subtle interaction between shadow and light. Those two forces have been constantly feuding in David's heart for quite a time and eventually in 1988 he succumbed to depression. Despite finally overcoming it through therapy, the sour finale of the Rain Tree Crow project by no means contributed to healing his wounds. P.S. The promotional single containing "Blackwater" and the aforementioned "Red Earth (As Summertime Ends)" also included an instrumental piece - "I Drink To Forget" [  back to the top