Search - Eyeless in Gaza :: Back From the Rains

In "D"

loteq | Regensburg | 02/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Returning from a three-year hiatus, EIG's evolution from an avant-garde project to a smart dream-pop band became complete with 1986's superb "Back from..". Nevertheless, the duo was heavily criticized for the pop-oriented, very melodic ambiance by some fans of EIG's very early work, which is pretty unfair in my eyes. While EIG's first few albums, like "Photographs.." and "Caught in flux", had very interesting sonic ideas and melodramatic vocal delivery, they weren't great records in terms of songwriting and melody. In several cases, the tracks sounded like raw ideas and sketches rushed into the studio; in sum, lots of inspiration which was not always converted into great songs. Thankfully, with "Back from.." the duo's new-found energy did fully translate into their work, making this a really great pop album with hook-filled melodies, memorable refrains, and Martyn's typically resonant vocals. Lyrically, it's a much happier disc than the average EIG album, with songs about love and devotion which never border on saccharine or bland, accompanied by a smooth mix of acoustic/electric guitar textures and real drums instead of the adventure-like synthesizers and processed drum machines of the duo's early work. Like some of the guitar lines, the rhythm section of the Cocteau Twins or other classic 4AD artists might have been an influence on such straightforward songs as "Catch me" and "Sweet life longer", but for the most part the tracks find their own way between accepted pop formulas and the duo's usual eccentricity. "Twilight" with its refrain that never leaves the listener's head and "Flight of swallows", featuring a fine guitar/piano interplay and backing vocals by the obscure Elisabeth S., are especially lovely. In any case, Martyn's singing provides much of the interest throughout the album, and the vocal-only tracks "Between..", "Lie still..", and "She moved.." are pretty listenable, too. Another stand-out cut is "Your rich sky", an infectious ballad with ringing guitar lines and tension-filled melodies. As the titles indicate, pure mood music surfaces with "Evening music, "Welcome now", and the album-closing instrumental "My last, lost melody". Like all EIG compact disc reissues, this record also contains a few additional songs from EP/single releases; however, the four bonus cuts on "Back from.." are not so rewarding due to the fact that most of this material has already appeared on 1983's "Rust Red September" and "Voice - The best of EIG". The duplication of the songs makes it somewhat redundant for people who already own one of the aforementioned albums. Musically, the bonus tracks are quite satisfying, including 1983's hit single "New risen" and the evocative "Scent on..". Simply put, another richly rewarding and moving album from EIG which really deserves a wider audience."