release date: Apr. 23, 2002
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,68]
producer: Peter Murphy, Mercan Dede
label: Metropolis Records - nationality: England, UK
6th studio album by Peter Murphy released seven years after Cascade (Oct. 1995) after which he released his so far only live album aLive Just for Love (2001). This is not only co-produced by a Turkish producer - the whole album is made with assistance of primarily Turkish musicians, which is clearly heard throughout an album where Murphy combines western popular music, the gothic rock, and even progressive rock in a mix with more traditional Turkish folk. Aside from that, there's also a synthpop or electronic influence present, and it's really hard to label the style, as it's a rather huge mix of influences, and one might even call it world music. The album is Murphy's first studio album after parting with Beggars Banquet, and this new album should perhaps also be seen in the light of being forced to rethink your musical career.
The album was met by positive reviews, many found it an artistic achievement, whereas others, in search of a more traditional album and without luck in finding stand-out tracks, saw it as lesser album. I will not say that it doesn't work, but I don't find it a strong nor very interesting album as such. It has an intense and warm feel but it doesn't appeal much to me.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5, Q Magazine 3 / 5 stars ]
