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MAJESTIC MEETING OF MUSICAL MINDS

Pieter | Johannesburg | 11/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A static electric noise introduces this brilliant collaboration between Jarboe, ex vocalist of Swans and the band Neurosis with which I have not been familiar. Their churning guitars and atmospheric whirrs and bleeps provide the perfect background for Jarboe's eerie, expressive vocals. The opening number Within changes structure from the aforementioned rock assault to some exquisite torch song parts and even some spooky breathing that reminds me of a similar effect on World Of Skins' frightening interpretation of the Nick Drake song Black Eyed Dog. The second track His Last Words continues the theme of approaching death with an introduction of whispered vocals over a brooding backing before launching into Jarboe's pure vocals over a full swirling rock sound. Track 3, Taker, is a brutal metal rocker built around those churning, screaming guitars but even here there are frequent tempo changes that allow many different facets of Jarboe's voice to come to the fore. A throbbing but restrained beat opens the beautiful torch song Receive and lends it an air of mystery and foreboding as it stays under the exquisite vocals throughout. Talking of vocals, Jarboe really lets rip on the track Erase, a shoutfest that rivals her own Mother Father that she did in Swans. Her poor throat! I love the instrumental textures of Cringe, an innovative mix of keyboards, drums and guitar with a strange, dreamy feel.In Harms Way has jungle drumming interspersed by those strange electronic squeaks, churning guitars again and a jagged, swaying overall rhythm. The last track, Seizure, has an even more disturbing undercurrent of what sounds like flowing electricity under Jarboe's almost choral vocals and lovely acoustic guitars. The track is then filled out by droning male backing vocals and electric guitars.The sheer variety, different flavours and tempo changes contribute to make this such a great album. Comparisons are difficult, but I am reminded of some tracks on the album The Great Annihilator by Swans and even of Siouxsie and the Banshees' seminal album The Scream. There is a lot of despair but also a sense of transcendence and that particular resignation so characteristic of Swans.For those who appreciate this great album, I recommend Swans' Various Failures, Soundtracks For The Blind, Children of God and Omniscience, plus Jarboe's solo albums like Thirteen Masks and Sacrificial Cake and the now rare albums by The Swans side project World Of Skin. The book Angry Women In Rock by Andrea Juno contains a very informative interview with this unique and unjustly obscure artist.This collaboration is a huge success. The musical backing and tonality are just right to bring out the best in Jarboe's voice. I intend to investigate Neurosis now that I have heard what they are capable of. They must have created a memorable body of work, judging by this majestic collaboration."

Good but...

johnny-the-boy | Kent, OH United States | 01/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Since I'm familiar with both artists bodies of work, in summary this is the album you expect. That's fine but usually with their genre-bending, I usually look to Neurosis and Jarboe to give me what I'm NOT expecting. The new and adventurous. This is a solid work and should fit well into any collection.Strangely I'd say that this doesn't sound like Neurosis but more like their alternative persona, Tribes of Neurot. Where Neurosis is more classically death/dirge metal, on albums like 'Adaptation & Survival', Tribes of Neurot crafts soundscapes from the recording of insects (as an example). Usually for every Neurosis release ('Through Silver', 'Times of Grace') there's a companion Tribes album ('Silver Blood Transmission', 'Grace') so I guess one can judge on their own. As a fan I'd suggest them all. Rare are artists of their ability."

A Creation of two Music Masterminds

Michael J Harper | Covina, CA United States | 11/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Neurosis have undergone changes that would see them to be as they are, an adaptable omnipresence in music. Jarboe too creates some of the most potent vocal music and sound in the buisness. Jarboe recently worked with A Perfect Circle and almost no need to mention her notability for Swans and the breathy sensual music her and Michael Gira made while together. The music is still slightly remniscant to Neurosis's "A Sun that Never Sets" and thier previous EP "Soveriegn" yet here we go again, moving on into new landscapes. The Cathartic and sustained drive that Neurosis has always givin so efficiently and effectively is still with them and yet thier ability to weave melody within that particular sphere has strongly improved. Neurosis are as always attaining a stronger more solid sound. With the aid of Jarboe this album is a perfect assimilation of 2 creative forces that are ever so dynamic and inspirational.For some heavy insight to these two minds you might try Jarboe's "Dissected" or Neurosis's "Through Silver in Blood" both albums are heavy in thier showing power of these artists"