"Robin Guthrie's Imperial sounds to me like a rumination on solitude and loss, although I'm probably just projecting my own feelings as a Cocteau Twins fan who misses Elizabeth Fraser. The music here reminds me of Victorialand, only much slower and without the forward momentum that vocals would provide. In fact, parts of Imperial might not sound out of place on Brian Eno's atmospheric Apollo album. The introspective feel of Imperial makes it a tasteful alternative to both New Age- and electronica-derived forms of ambient music. As suggested by the title of track 7 (Music for Labour), this CD is good to listen to while working."
It's magically ethereal?!?
E. F. Paredes | California USA | 12/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Ethereal." Inevitably this description (or tag, if you will) would invade any dialogue concerning music like this. Yet Imperial avoids the curse that dooms many of Robin's contemporaries. This is not your average shimmering guitar solo work. It's a throwback to the Cocteau era, a Violet Indiana instrumental, a shoegazer tease.
The cd is thoughtfully produced, opening with the title track and that familiar guitar sound that Robin perfected and many admirers copied. There are surprises too - beats and keyboards thrown into the mix alongside artfully minimalistic melodies. Elemental, is a good example of this. Other standouts are Tera, Music for Labour, and Drift (previously available in Bella Union's first cd sampler).
Those of us fortunate enough to catch Robin on tour performing live to his film, Lumiere, got a taste of his skill at creating art through sound and light. Imperial gives its listeners that same experience."
Great album!!!
Julio Castro Karg | Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico | 10/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is undoubtedly a must for any Cocteau Twins lover! It also could very well be considered as a sort of continuation to the stunning album called "The Moon and the Melodies", although without Elizabeth Fraser's voice!
All of the tracks in this album are completely instrumental, and although there are times when you really expect to hear Elizabeth Fraser's voice bursting in, the music in this album is crafted with so much beauty that you'll stop missing her voice and start enjoying the music until soon it all becomes almost addictive! This is a truly beguiling, soothing album!!!"
...yet, even more flesh to crawl on;
olofpalme63 | auf der flucht! | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Perhaps not as poignant as Mysterious Skin, even though "Imperial" was released before Harold Budd & Robin Guthrie's now classic soundtrack from the film "Mysterious Skin". This 2003 Bella Union release remains a relevant find. Guthrie's beach patrol enters familiar ground here. Sonic, shimmering, lush textures to daydream with (or sunbathe if you prefer). Anyone familiar with the sound Robin crafted with the Cocteau Twins will appreciate this gem. This is the extension that the Twins "Evangeline" always deserved (musically speaking). This is a nice campanion to not only the Mysterious Skin soundtrack, but to his 2006 "Continental" release as well. Thought provoking ambience at it's finest. An impeccable treat.
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
