Autumn Tears Eclipse
Dark Symphonies - Dark23 26th October 2004
By Russell Garwood
As you may have guessed from the name, Autumn Tears are not the most cheerful collective in the world. Their music, much in the vein of early 4AD acts (Dead Can Dance,This Mortal Coil) fits closest into the neoclassical, heavenly voices school of contemporary music. Mediaeval touches surface throughout, and influences cited include ancient charts, Anchorage, Stoa, Enya. I can see definite similarities to Craig Armstrong at times in the unforgettable string arrangements.
Trying to sum up such a diverse release seems slightly counterintuitive, as there are also hints of world music (particularly Arabian) in places, and no song is the same. Despite a similar feel, the tracks transcend styles and moods with graceful disregard for any established musical rules. The female vocals are varied, with heavenly voices style harmonies at times, and lower singing at others. More structured vocal lines are also effective, while the male singing is of a similarly high standard. Prominent countermelodies make for more complex pieces, as does hugely varied instrumentation. Terrran Olson (Maudlin Of The Well) provides clarinet, flute and handbells, as well as composing the track Remember. Ted Tringo, the founding member of the project (along with vocalist Erika), is responsible for singing and composition, also providing the darkly gothic lyrics. Female vocals come courtesy of Laurie Ann Haus and Erika Swinnich, while the range of instruments present is widened by Greg Ball, who provides acoustic guitar and contrabass. This gives just a small idea of the sheer versatility of the material on display.
Eclipse is a very impressive release. Emotive, tranquil, and memorable, it serves a dual purpose. While extremely effective mood music, it almost seems disrespectful to treat it as such, as it is also great to listen with more attention, due to its remarkable depth. This release comes highly recommended to followers of all the influences mentioned thus far, as well as fans of romantic gothic, classical, and orchestral music.
8.5/10
Official Dark Symphonies website
Official Autumn Tears website
Dark Symphonies - Dark23 26th October 2004
By Russell Garwood
As you may have guessed from the name, Autumn Tears are not the most cheerful collective in the world. Their music, much in the vein of early 4AD acts (Dead Can Dance,This Mortal Coil) fits closest into the neoclassical, heavenly voices school of contemporary music. Mediaeval touches surface throughout, and influences cited include ancient charts, Anchorage, Stoa, Enya. I can see definite similarities to Craig Armstrong at times in the unforgettable string arrangements.
Trying to sum up such a diverse release seems slightly counterintuitive, as there are also hints of world music (particularly Arabian) in places, and no song is the same. Despite a similar feel, the tracks transcend styles and moods with graceful disregard for any established musical rules. The female vocals are varied, with heavenly voices style harmonies at times, and lower singing at others. More structured vocal lines are also effective, while the male singing is of a similarly high standard. Prominent countermelodies make for more complex pieces, as does hugely varied instrumentation. Terrran Olson (Maudlin Of The Well) provides clarinet, flute and handbells, as well as composing the track Remember. Ted Tringo, the founding member of the project (along with vocalist Erika), is responsible for singing and composition, also providing the darkly gothic lyrics. Female vocals come courtesy of Laurie Ann Haus and Erika Swinnich, while the range of instruments present is widened by Greg Ball, who provides acoustic guitar and contrabass. This gives just a small idea of the sheer versatility of the material on display.
Eclipse is a very impressive release. Emotive, tranquil, and memorable, it serves a dual purpose. While extremely effective mood music, it almost seems disrespectful to treat it as such, as it is also great to listen with more attention, due to its remarkable depth. This release comes highly recommended to followers of all the influences mentioned thus far, as well as fans of romantic gothic, classical, and orchestral music.
8.5/10
Official Dark Symphonies website
Official Autumn Tears website
