Signed by 4AD and releasing their first album in 1984, Dead Can Dance drew rapturous reviews for albums that spanned neo-classical and folk across time and geography, each album selling to a progressively larger audience. Their sound progressively became less drilling and pounding and more serene over time, nevermore so than on their sumptuously textured fifth album Aion, originally released in 1990.
Arguably the duo's finest, the 12-song set revolves around the interplay between Lisa Gerrard's soaring glossolalia and Brendan Perry's baritone crooning. A range of styles are explored, from the polyphonic choral heights of "The Arrival And The Reunion" to the smooth balladry of "Fortune Presents Gifts Not According To The Book" to the Middle Eastern sensuality of "Radharc."
Other standout tracks include the playful "Saltarello" a traditional 14th Century instrumental dance piece and "As The Bell Rings The Maypole Spins" a striking melodic song carried by bagpipes and Lisa's angelic voice. Remastered from the original tapes and pressed on high quality 180g vinyl! |