Fire & Ice - Gilded By The Sun

Gilded By The Sun is a reissue of the debut Fire & Ice CD, originally issued on Douglas P.'s NER label. Ian Read was already familiar to many for his work on Current 93's Swastikas For Noddy and Death In June's Brown Book, later forming Sol Invictus with Tony Wakeford. Encouraged by David Tibet and Douglas P. Gilded By The Sun was the result, a folk based outing mixing some of Ian's songs with a selection of traditional folk songs. The songs are sparse and largely acoustic based. The exception to the rule is 'Fire Above' with electric guitars and electronic drums it always reminds me of Wire. Work that one out! Ian's knowledge of mythology is prominent and his love of folk music is represented by versions of 'Sir John Barleycorn' and 'Long Lankin'. 'Blood On The Snow' reveals itself to be something quite special mixing Ian's strained voice with female vocals and sympathetic keyboard backing. I've got mixed feelings about Gilded By The Sun, others such as Andrew King have done more to revive forgotten folk songs, and besides Fire & Ice have produced much better releases such as Bird King and Runa, his masterwork for the Rune Gild. For more information go to www.tesco-germany.com or www.tesco-distro.com