Current 93
Halo

THE REVIEW

Attending a concert by Current 93 is always a unique experience. The esoteric charm and the cult status that David Tibet has managed to build over the years is something unique. Personally, I had the opportunity to see the Current twice in Turin and Bologna in 2009 and 2010 during the tour promoting the album "Aleph At The Hallucinatory Mountains." Unfortunately, in Bologna, the atmosphere was ruined by a drunken individual who repeatedly insulted Tibet, causing him to temporarily suspend the concert. In any case, seeing Current 93 live is an experience I would recommend to everyone. Numerous live albums have been released by the Current: one of the best, in my opinion, remains the splendid "As The World Disappears," a record that captures the group in a moment of grace, featuring excellent recording and practically perfect performances filled with pathos. The material mainly comes from "Thunder Perfect Mind" and consecrates Current 93 as a sort of apocalyptic Incredible String Band. Among the various "live" albums I've listened to, I was particularly struck by "Halo" from 2005, a testimony of a fiery recording at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on October 9, 2003. The lineup for the occasion included some of the best musicians who have been part of Current 93, namely the brilliant Michael Cashmore on guitar, John Contreras on cello, Joolie Wood on violin, Graham Jeffery and Maja Elliott on piano, with David Tibet on vocals. One of the strengths of Tibet, unlike Douglas P., has always been his ability to surround himself with very talented collaborators. The cover borrows from the Moody Blues' "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour." On the other hand, Tibet has never hidden his interest in progressive rock music and the dark, acid folk of the '70s. In the past, he has declared his love for Comus, C.O.B., the Incredible String Band, the kraut Sand (of which he reintroduced "Golem"), Amon Duul II, and the Groundhogs.

The concert features 16 tracks that span the entire production of the Current, even revisiting a legendary album like "Imperium." The intro is entrusted to "Halo," characterized by the same vocal loop present in "Where The Long Shadows Fall." Then comes "Alone," which differs from the studio version present on "Imperium": Tibet's voice is spectral and dramatic, accompanied by the piano, succeeding in creating a palpable tension. The following "Mary Waits In Silence" is a classic ballad from "Thunder Perfect Mind": it is introduced by a Gregorian choir that gives the music a sulfurous setting, making it unique. "Calling For Vanished Faces II" always features the melancholic acoustic guitar of Michael Cashmore, another little gem that testifies to the golden period of "All The Pretty Little Horses." Then space is given to Maja Elliott with "The Sign In The Stars" from the minimal and refined "Soft Black Stars." Everything seems enveloped in a magical aura, Tibet and the group are in splendid form. "All This World Makes Blood" is another masterpiece from "Of Ruine Or Some Blazing Starre" while "Good Morning Great Moloch" is moving, introduced by the beautiful and sad cello of John Contreras. I love this track, one of the most beautiful from "Sleep has His House." With "Whilst The Night Rejoices Profound And Still," tender piano sounds are once again given space. "5 Hypnagogue 5" is haunted and intense, with Tibet increasingly the protagonist as a black minstrel. Then there's more space for a track from the masterpiece "Thunder Perfect Mind," namely "A Silence Song."

"Sleep Has His House" instead has a minimal structure, a testimony of a dark period and dedicated to the death of Tibet's father. After "4 Hypnagogue 4," the ritual continues with the classic, delicate, and mystical ballad "Fields Of Rape," accompanied by vocal loops. "So: This Empire Is Nothing" is another rediscovery from "All The Pretty Little Horses." The conclusion is entrusted to "Locust," a beautiful track that comes directly from "Imperium," played live here for the first time. The performance is spine-tingling and is accompanied by the satanic loops of "Nature Unveiled!"

"Halo" is a splendid album, the repertoire is fantastic and well-chosen. Everything is enveloped in an esoteric and quasi-religious atmosphere that gives the concert a particularly dark aura. A highly recommended album for the followers of the Current.