David Sylvian
Gone to earth

THE REVIEW

Second work of the former dandy of Japan. If the first, "Brilliant Trees", though being a grandiose debut work, revealed various disorganizations in the choice of pieces (echoes of the past Japan contrasted with purely intimate sounds, or unexpected acoustic ballads), with "Gone To Earth" our artist, after extensive reflection and maturity, assembles excellent and more cohesive songs, wisely gathering some of his most influential and skilled "friends": Bob Fripp at the peak of his form, his brother Steve Jansen on drums, Kenny Wheeler, the not forgotten Richard Barbieri on keyboards, and other session musicians of cultured backgrounds. It results in a masterpiece, at the very least well-thought-out. Clearly ambient-inspired, the first side collects songs (if they can be synthesized as such), while the second features thematic instrumentals.
Originally, the album was supposed to be a collection of ambient pieces, but, I don't remember who, someone convinced Sylvian to... sing on it. The method is not usually the most orthodox, but the result, my dear ones, leaves you astonished.

It begins with "Taking The Veil," with a great Phil Palmer crafting on acoustic guitar supported by Jansen, immense and Teutonic. A down-tempo that enchants, an opening onto Sylvian's new sound universe.
Other gems: "Before the Bullfight," complex and enveloping, wave, hypnotic and lyrical, with Fripp on guitar synth at stratospheric levels. The album then offers on side 2 instrumental tracks with the same tone. The entire mood of the album refers to magmatic, ancestral sounds, hypnotic rhythms and powerful sounds, "spaced" guitars, a dazzling melodic lyricism... a "rich," powerful work on which Sylvian crafts some of his most suitable and touching melodies.
A sonic fresco worthy of the best sunsets of our lives.