[.ca] Eye Of The Hunter

From Amazon.com:
After two decades at the helm of London's premiere chamber-goth ensemble, Dead Can Dance, Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard celebrated the century's end by parting ways and pursuing solo projects. Though less celebrated than his ethereal-voiced cohort, Perry's ability to create catchy musical pastiches from classical, world, and electronic elements is evident here on seductive tracks such as "Voyage of Bran" and "Archangel." A cover of Tim Buckley's "I Must Have Been Blind" suggests the influence behind Perry originals such as "Saturday¹s Child" and "Medusa," while cheerful tracks such as "Death Will Be My Bride" summon up the spirit of Jim Morrison. Although Perry and Gerrard's solo projects have yet to transcend their shared legacy, Eye of the Hunter is welcome reassurance that the dead still dance. --Bill Forman

farewell to saturday's child, cut loose before his time:
I never understood how people could distinguish between Brendan and Lisa in Dead Can Dance, they were both so amazing and together they made amazing music (especially 'the host of seraphim' and 'the carnival is over') I haven't listened to Lisa's solo work as much, though I am shocked to hear that some believe her to be the creative force behind DCD, they both compliment one another. Anyway, this record is in the great tradition of such DCD songs like "american dreaming" "don't fade away" and "i can see now". My favorite is the cover "I must have been blind" which will make you fall apart. "voyage of Bram" "saturday's child" and "archangel" are major standouts as well. the whole record has a really somber, moody and warm melancholy/resigned sadness feel. After all these years of living and experience, this record seems to communicate the vision of life after many disappointments and joys. How do you describe being "cut loose before one's time"? How do you communicate those feelings of being helpless, but still having dignity? I think this record does that as well as can be done. I'm sure Lisa Gerrard's solo projects are worth checking out, but I think Brendan's solo record is phenomenal.

Brendan!:
Where are you, Brendan? The world needs your music! 5 years after the release of your only solo effort, and we are still left with mystery. This album is honest, beautiful and true... And we really would like to hear more from you.

A grower, but still good stuff:
A lot of people seem put off by this record. No surprise. You can certainly hear a lot more of the trademark Dead Can Dance sound in Lisa Gerrard's solo work than on "The Eye of the Hunter." I've got to say, though, that after many listens, I tend to throw this CD in my player almost as often as DCD's "Within the Realm of a Dying Sun" or Lisa's "The Mirror Pool." No, it's not orchestral, tribal, or otherworldly, but that is its beauty. It is raw and emotional, and very, very human. If you are looking for inspiration, toss in "The Serpent's Egg," but if you want company while you're going through a melancholy period, then this album is your best friend.

Male Music:
This album immediately imparts a sense of the ancient male. Brendan Perry "lives by the river, where the old gods still dream of inner communion with the open sea." His seasoned baritone voice weaves through a spacious soundscape. The music is certainly somber- songs for shadowless overcast days spent wandering through autumn fields. For those of you who think Lisa Gerard was the main force that made DCD great- don't bother. You don't deserve (and undoubtedly, will not appreciate) this album.

Curious question?:
Does anyone else think Brendan Perry sounds like Frank Sinatra? Since a friend told me this I cannot get the image out of my head of Brenden at an antique microphone with a fedora hat on! Ok, so he is a goth Frank Sinatra...ooh, I have no idea if that is a good phrase for it... Anyhow, the CD is good, buy it or be cast into a firey pit, your choice!

• Saturday's Child
• Voyage of Bran
• Medusa
• Sloth
• I Must Have Been Blind
• Capitive Heart
• Death Will Be My Bride
• Archangel