I have to say that for someone who was not totally familiar with either the work of Japan or David Sylvian, the breathtaking re-release of the entire Japan/David Sylvian back-catalogue was always likely to be something of a gargantuan task to complete review-wise. Never an easy listen at the best of times, David Sylvian and co. carved a fair to middlin; career out of crafting clever, intricate but always beguiling pop. Such was the briney, acidic nature of their music, that even Japan’s earliest efforts like ‘Gentlemen Take Polaroids’ was like taking all the most testing characteristics of Roxy Music and mashing them up in vinegar. It would smart whether you had the same gaping existential wounds as Sylvian or not. And Sylvian’s departure from Japan in the mid-eighties saw those gaping wounds extend still further.
Whilst the opening track on Brilliant Trees, ‘Pulling Punches’ is a less than delicate reprisal of Japan’s ‘The Art of Parties’ much of the album explores a more acoustic and more organic landscape, and fans of ambient and Tricky & Martina Topley-Bird will be pleased to discover some spikey electronica on tracks like ‘Backwaters’. Name checking everyone from Cocteau to Picasso adds to the regal nature of this departure from traditional rock trappings, Sylvian feeling equally free to cavort with flugelhorn, double bass and the dark and fractal nightmares of Scott Walker.
Single Red Guitar was and is one of Sylvian’s few forays into pop music, but again it’s hardly what you’d call mainstream: jazzy piano, double bass and peppering trumpet solo.
Bar the luxurious interior of ‘Secrets Of The Beehive’ (also reissued) Brilliant Trees is considered to be the first of Sylvian’s masterpieces from the 1980s and if you value the likes Plaid and M83 today, it’s a rare treat to see where all that came from. The only downside is the disappointing lack of extras, alternate tracks or demos.
This reissue of Alchemy, on the otherhand is a thoughtful one- comprising as it does the original 1985 tape-only release that saw tracks ‘Preperation for a Journey’ and ‘Steel Cathedrals’ released alongside the ‘Words with the Shaman’ EP.
For those of you who enjoy instrumentals it’s a joy. For those who don’t, it’s fairly indulgent. But again, against the increasing popularity of acts like Plaid, M83, Pole, Minotaur Shock and the perennial delights of Scott Walker and John Cage, it’s an appropriate time for reappraisal and it’s pleasing to hear a blend of ambient, world music and jazz coming together without the pomposity and imperialism of the ensuing glut of world players that came into the glocal forum later.
‘A Brief Conversation in Divorce’ reminds you of Cage’s ‘Sonatas & Interludes’ and well worth a listen if you enjoy the avant-garde and the classical.
With some excellent bonus tracks, the Alchemy-reissue is an understated an unvalued highlight in Sylvian’s 80s oeuvre. For all you indie kids though, it’s all a little like Pulp’s ‘This Is Hardcore’ – and if that was too leftfield for you then do not proceed over the half-way line.
Also reissued:
David Sylvian – Secrets Of The Beehive***
David Sylvian – Gone To Earth**
Rain Tree Crow – Rain Tree Crow **