Dead Can Dance "Anastasis"

 

Their first album since 1996 and it is a microcosm of their decade-long musical history.  If you were ever a fan of DCD, you need this album.  For those of you who missed out on them the first time around, it's worth a try.  Originally from Australia, Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard found success in London with the 4AD label, along with This Mortal Coil and Cocteau Twins.  I found the music to be interesting and the album graphics outstanding.  Someone on my staff, though, always seemed to be more enlightened with the band than I, and being the gracious manager that I was (did I hear a snicker?), I passed all the promos out to my employees.  That's right, I do not own any DCD full-lengths. 

That will not change with "Anastasis."  Years ago, I believe I dubbed DCD "Gothic New Age," and that basically holds true still.  I've seen "ethnic fusion" and "dreamy world pop" used for this album.  I suppose those monikers are more apropos as it's been #1 on the World Music chart.  You may recognize Gerrard's name from her movie soundtrack work over the last fifteen years, most notably "Gladiator."  For her half of this album, I jotted down Cirque du Soleil because you could close your eyes and imagine you are at "La Nouba."  A paid reviewer who was less than enamored with the album called it "artsy-fartsy Enya."  Perry's contributions were more enjoyable for me with the album's opening track the highlight...



That same reviewer also called this the album's brightest moment, but "...it’s about as fun as a funeral procession...with Perry moaning like a half-drunk Vincent Price over a strangely unsettling orchestral trip-hop groove."  Overall, he said the album was, "...sort of like the soundtrack to a bad History Channel documentary."  Dammit, that's funny... 

The band is touring in support of this album and recently finished the U.S. leg.  You can find several fan cam videos on YouTube.  Lots of synths and a drummer.  It must have sold well because the album had a top 50 showing domestically on the overall chart along with the World #1.  They are doing Europe this month and 14 of the 17 dates are already sold out. 

As I said before, I'm not keeping the entire record but I will commit half of it to the hard drive.  As it turns out, it will be two by each member.  In fairness, let me offer up one of Gerrard's keepers...



I have one piece of advice to offer for complete enjoyment of this album:  play only after dark...