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THE REVIEW
David Sylvian has created a dark and fascinating work born from reflection on the Welsh poet R.S. Thomas, completely unknown in Italy, but considered by Ted Hughes as one of the most important English-language poets of the post-war period.
"Manafon" relies on the power of the voice, chanted and intoned to the extreme, and on a few electronic echoes... distant loops, minimalist effects, a double bass that plays a few notes and then falls silent.
The lyrics mainly speak of distance, absence, loss. It is a record that should be savored and fully absorbed in solitude, to appreciate every little nuance, every drop of compositional wisdom.
Perhaps only Scott Walker on "The Drift" had dared so much in the realm of "popular" music.
There is very little pop here, as everything is enclosed in a creative isolationism designed to induce unease, but also catharsis in the listener.
The album travels along the line of a tension that, obviously, will never explode.
Recommended.
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Summary by Bot
David Sylvian's Manafon is a dark, reflective album inspired by the Welsh poet R.S. Thomas. The music uses minimalist electronic sounds and sparse instrumentation to convey themes of distance and loss. It demands careful, solitary listening to appreciate its subtle nuances. The album is compared to Scott Walker's The Drift for its daring creative isolationism. Overall, it is a compelling and recommended work.Tracklist Videos
David Sylvian
David Sylvian (born David Alan Batt) is an English singer-songwriter and former leader of the band Japan who developed a solo career spanning art rock, ambient and experimental music. He is known for a distinctive baritone voice and collaborations with artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto and Robert Fripp.28 Reviews
Other reviews
By PVC
"Simplicity is not an aesthetic form but an achievement that requires great effort."
"Manafon demands attentive listening but rewards by giving back great emotions and, above all, it enhances the esteem for this artist and his courage to experiment."
