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Product description CD Review The fourth Dead Can Dance album, THE SERPENT'S EGG, continues the band's evolution away from tradition rock/pop song structures. The tracks are instead built on sustained chords, vocal harmonizing, and brittle-sounding string instruments. "Orbis de Ignis" is almost a cappella, the only music being a bell struck between verses, with the ethereal voice of Lisa Gerrard (and others) skittering over the surface. Along with the insistent tribal drumming of "Mother Tongue," which eventually evolves into a wordless chant by Lisa Gerrard, the best tracks here are two featuring Brendan Perry's vocals, "Severance" and "Ullyses." The first opens on an ominous drone as the song's narrative tells of a fading community (or civilization, even). The second features some of Perry's most interesting work with the hurdy-gurdy, which is echoed by a string section. Also of note is the creepy vocal interplay in "Echolalia." For fans of This Mortal Coil, "Song of Sophia" distinctly recalls that band's "Song to the Siren." This is maybe not the best Dead Can Dance record to begin with--it is certainly the group's most insular--but for fans it is another fascinating trip to the dawn of Western music. --Muze
Dead Can Dance are sometimes an infuriating band, if only because it is so difficult to classify them. I had been hooked on this release for many years, in particularly, Host of the Seraphim, had an emotional hook on me for more than a decade. The SACD though, adds another dimension. My equipment is hardly audiophile, though being decent consumer grade. That said, the transition to SACD is excellent to my ears. I will say though, that you do not need a SACD player to get the best out of this release, the standard audio CD layer is stunning and really must be heard to be believed. Lisa Gerrard's voice is one of the most captivating instruments my ears have heard. Even on latter day non DCD material, her voice is both subtle and overwhelming.Brendan Perry's voice brings a more folk like intimacy and most certainly does not detract, rather, adds its own nuance. I used to think otherwise, but as I get older I can honestly say I "get" his contribution much more now than I ever have.By all means, I recommend this SACD, and, if you cannot find it, hunt down the CD. Musically it is another world. Less "ethnic [if that makes any sense at all to anyone]" than Aion, less bombastic and percussive in a lot of ways than Within the Realm of a Dying Sun, but amazingly atmospheric, subtle and intimate all at once.Definitely an all time favourite of mine.
