Approaching Silence [IMPORT]

David Sylvian

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 5, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B00000K2LT
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,379 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

David Sylvian has garnered a deserved reputation for brooding melancholy. On albums like Gone to Earth and last year's Dead Bees on a Cake, he seeks salvation while wallowing in the most ecstatic state of quiet repose. Approaching Silence is what you might imagine Sylvian hears in his darkest ruminations. Comprised of two very long soundscapes and one vignette, Sylvian orchestrates a dream world full of hidden shadows and elusive truths. "The Beekeeper's Apprentice," is a collaboration with Frank Perry who plays chimes, bells, and bowed gongs. Sylvian surrounds his pristine tones with sustained guitar textures and shimmering atmospheres. The title track, which clocks in at 48 minutes, is a sometimes threatening, occasionally claustrophobic landscape with King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp's undulating Frippertronic designs shifting through mysterious voices (also Fripp's) whispering at the borders of comprehension. Sylvian's soundscapes recall Steve Roach's recent forays into pure texture music. You can also hear the influence of Sylvian's earlier ambient collaborator, Holger Czukay, with his found sounds and voices. Originally made to accompany some multimedia installations, Approaching Silence doesn't create music as much as it articulates a space. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sylvian is Ambient again, September 29, 1999

By A Customer

This is a welcome return of the Ambient David Sylvian of the late 80s, which included two excellent collaborations with ex-Can bassist Holger Czukay. The three tracks here paint vast landscapes and create beautiful atmospheres for those who are ready to challenge their ears a little. The two first tracks have previously been released in a limited edition box set, and the 38 minute closing track is recorded for an exhibition with Robert Fripp. The style of the music is similar in feel to some of Brian Enos ambient work, as well as Bill Nelsons Crimsworth, which was also recorded to accompany an exhibition.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vast, vast beauty, April 4, 2000

By	DAC Crowell (Rankin, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Back in the 1980s, Sylvian did two amazing collaborative albums with Holger Czukay. These were dark, lush, multilayered efforts, each with only two tracks apiece, but in those two tracks seemingly encompassing whole vast landscapes of sound. And here, Sylvian has returned to the same, complex turf with a set of pieces for some art installations. This picks up where the Sylvian/Czukay albums leave off, and add several degrees further of depth, it seems. The first track pairs Sylvian with percussionist Frank Perry, playing gongs and bells, creating an atmosphere akin to that of some otherworldly Zen temple. Then there's a little 'seed' piece of soundsources, leading into the work they're intended for, which is a vast twilight soundplace which pairs Sylvian and Robert Fripp. Those expecting "Darshan" here will be disappointed...but those who found the beautiful, unfolding textures of the ambient works on Sylvian's "Gone to Earth" to their liking will be enthralled with this seemingly endless sonic vista. Intriguing music, both for listening as well as for 'pure ambient' uses as background sonics, and some of the best ambient work I've heard in the past few years.

25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sylvian Shimmers, October 12, 1999

By	J. Bjorne (Huntsville, AL. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For the first time since "Ember Glance" David Sylvian releases more of his ambient 'instillation' music. This is the perfect stuff to put on in the background while reading, plus close listening provides its own rewards. This is my bag, I only wish Sylvian would release more, both vocal and instrumental.