Customer Reviews

Eye of the Hunter

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

With this cd, the other half of Dead Can Dance has finally checked in. This isn't a DCD cd, and it reveals Brendan Perry as the more musically restrained of the two, but the overall mood of the eight tracks on Eye of the Hunter does recall certain DCD tracks such as "Severance" (from Serpent's Egg) or "I Can See Now" (from Toward the Within). Very pleasant material, but with an edge to it, an unease or disquiet which ought to characterize a collection of ballads. Mostly we have Perry's distinctive voice and acoustic guitar in the foreground, with flourishes of keyboards, occasional mandolin and a few other surprises backing him up. Thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrics abound. My own personal favorites are the haunting "Voyage of Bran" and the waltz-like "Medusa," but there's plenty of engaging material here in this beautifully focused debut. Brendan Perry wrote everything except Tim Buckley's "I Must Have Been Blind" (also covered by labelmates This Mortal Coil). Best appreciated alone, on a quiet Saturday night.

I never understood how people could distinguish between Brendan and Lisa in Dead Can Dance, they were both so amazing and together they made amazing music (especially 'the host of seraphim' and 'the carnival is over') I haven't listened to Lisa's solo work as much, though I am shocked to hear that some believe her to be the creative force behind DCD, they both compliment one another.

Anyway, this record is in the great tradition of such DCD songs like "american dreaming" "don't fade away" and "i can see now". My favorite is the cover "I must have been blind" which will make you fall apart. "voyage of Bram" "saturday's child" and "archangel" are major standouts as well. the whole record has a really somber, moody and warm melancholy/resigned sadness feel. After all these years of living and experience, this record seems to communicate the vision of life after many disappointments and joys. How do you describe being "cut loose before one's time"? How do you communicate those feelings of being helpless, but still having dignity? I think this record does that as well as can be done.

I'm sure Lisa Gerrard's solo projects are worth checking out, but I think Brendan's solo record is phenomenal.

Although I am still saddened by the demise of Dead Can Dance, it seems that the past year has seen more music by both Gerrard ("Duality" and "The Insider" soundtrack) & Perry now both solo than when they were still together. This album took some time to get used to (I kept waiting to hear Lisa's voice flow in somewhere), and the blues-like elements were also a bit of a surprise. Yet, I'm very much enjoying the whole thing, espcially "Saturdays Child", "The Captive Heart", "Archangel", and especially "Voyage of Bran". This is music for the more thoughtful and quiet moments of the day. It can feel like it's much too slow if one is expecting to hear the rhythms of a DCD song. But, taken on it's own terms, it's a lovely album with plenty of haunting and melancholic elements (yes, reminiscent of the best of Perry's DCD work) to make anyone satisfyingly wistful.

This album immediately imparts a sense of the ancient male. Brendan Perry "lives by the river, where the old gods still dream of inner communion with the open sea." His seasoned baritone voice weaves through a spacious soundscape. The music is certainly somber- songs for shadowless overcast days spent wandering through autumn fields. For those of you who think Lisa Gerard was the main force that made DCD great- don't bother. You don't deserve (and undoubtedly, will not appreciate) this album.

If you're a DCD fan, you understand that the group has changed its genre several times during its existence. From industrial, to gothic, to medieval, finally ending with world beat. So you have to approach this album with an open mind regarding its style and delivery. While Lisa Gerrard has chosen to take the common path of ephemeral female vocal (which is almost cliché), Brendan has created a new space which was hinted at in some of DCD's works. This one is a keeper. It gets better with every listen. Returning to DCDs roots, Brendan has captured the essence of solo despair that was originally exploited with Lisa's voice, but now delivered from a male perspective. I had low expectations for this album, but was quickly won over by its simple, minimalist mood. While you can get a glimpse of the album with sound bites, they don't do it justice. Spin this disc twice and you will be hooked.

A lot of people seem put off by this record. No surprise. You can certainly hear a lot more of the trademark Dead Can Dance sound in Lisa Gerrard's solo work than on "The Eye of the Hunter." I've got to say, though, that after many listens, I tend to throw this CD in my player almost as often as DCD's "Within the Realm of a Dying Sun" or Lisa's "The Mirror Pool."

No, it's not orchestral, tribal, or otherworldly, but that is its beauty. It is raw and emotional, and very, very human. If you are looking for inspiration, toss in "The Serpent's Egg," but if you want company while you're going through a melancholy period, then this album is your best friend.

If You were of the DCD fans that favored Brendan over Lisa you will enjoy this album. If you're a bigger fan of Lisa Gerrard singing in her fantasy language, I suggest you buy one of her solo albums instead, because this may not be abstract enough for you. Either way, this is an extremly beautiful ethereal folk album:)

Having been a huge fan of all work done by the members of Dead Can Dance, I must say, it's wonderful to hear from Brendan again. He's been a little quiet for a while. I missed him. The album is excellent. I'm listening to it for the first time when "I Must Have Been Blind" comes on. And I find myself knowing the words. And I'm thinking, how could I know this when I'm just hearing this song for the first time? And then I realized that he was covering This Mortal Coil. If anyone is worthy to cover This Mortal Coil, it would be Brendan, a 4AD favorite. I especially enjoy "Medusa" and "Death Will Be My Bride". I have always had a deep respect for Brendan, who in my opinion is one of the most talented musicians of our time. A brilliant mind, an old soul - wise for his age. Dark. Wonderful. Every Dead Can Dance album has a different mood. I think this is the mood Brendan was in when he created these pieces. I trust that with each additional album he puts out, we will feel him change and grow. Brendan, as well as Lisa (Gerrard) both have a way of expressing themselves in their music. True artists. If this is your first experience with Brendan, get this album, you'll love it. But also be sure and check out the work done by Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerrard. I trust you will soon become a huge fan, and join the rather large underground following.

I've listened to Eye of the Hunter at least 20 times now and I must say it just continues to get better. I find myself in a meditative state while listening to Voyage of Bran and Death Will Be My Bride. I continue to be moved and awakened by The Captive Heart and Brendan's version of I Must Have Been Blind. Brendan's tone and voice control are simply amazing. He has captured the essence of each song and his voice is as compelling and moving as ever (his voice is the reason I am once again pursuing my singing hobby). If you are patient and really listen to this CD the songs will move you. Yes I miss DCD just like everyone else. I've always felt Lisa and Brendan created a rich and diverse sound that was hard to categorize. DCD always managed to stretch my musical imagination and creativity. Now after listening to both of their respective releases I'm finding the beauty in each of them as individual artists. What a great experience...Please keep up the growth.

I have to admit...I was at first..well...not amused. How? Why? What exactly is Brendan doing? I waited what seemed to be forever for a solo from this beautiful voice... I suffer through every wierd song that Lisa drones in Dead Can Dance just to get to the songs when HE sings. It is because of Brendan that I listen to Dead Can Dance and seperate him from her and you get this. Yet I could not help but wonder upon first listen what it was that I was listening to. The music is gone. You are simply left with his voice....and isn't that why you listen to him? But I cannot help to think that DCD is at one end of the spectrum and this first solo is completely at the other end of it. A much better album would bridge the gap and combine his gorgeous voice with some musical accompiament. Yet, I cannot help but to be thankful that at least this album exists and I would never trade it away for anything.