Tactile / Rosa Mundi - GriefThe late Jhonn Balance of Coil was a frequent collaborator contributing guest vocals to tracks from Current 93, Death In June, Thighpaulsandra... Grief unearthes two of Balance's rarer appearances with out-of-print collaborations with Tactile and Rosa Mundi.On 'Grief', over minimal atmospheheric drones and electronics Balance intones the poem of the same name by the supernatural writer William Hope Hodgson. His sombre voice resonates with the tones of an Elizabethean magus over stark, brooding tones by John Everall. The track originally appeared on the much sought after Tactile album Borderlands. Balance's solemn reading of the poem draws comparisons with Coil's 'Lost Rivers of London', and the borderland between love, life and land. The other side is Rosa Mundi's tranquil interpretation of Blake's (Howard, not William) festive classic 'The Snowman'. The voice of Balance is deep and commanding while Rose McDowall provides an ethereal echo to the deep and assured voice of John Balance over glistening icy electronics and floating keyboards. This is one of two collaborations between Coil and Sorrow to interpret British festive songs, the other being 'Christmas Is Now Drawing Near' which appeared as part of the series of Solstice recordings. Curiously only half of Blake's words are used on this track which appeared on Sorrow's The Final Solstice compilation CD. Grief is a stark picture disc adorned with beautiful photography of funereal statues that maintains the tone of reverence for the departed artist. Grief is rleased by Divine Frequency Records in an edition of 777 copies. It's a beautiful item that Coil collectors wont want to be without. All profits will go to the Dark Star Fund which has been set up to release lost and forgotten musical works. For more information go to www.divinefrequency.com |