ALCHEMY - AN INDEX OF POSSIBILITIES

A great little instrumental album that confused many Sylvian fans back in '85.

Without doubt the most overlooked Sylvian album. This one trickles with Indonesian sweat as he continues directly from the last track on 'Brilliant Trees' from the previous year. Jon Hassell's flugelhorn sounds inspired, wrapping itself around Eastern vocals along with Steve Jansen's always foreign drum thumping.

For those wishing to hear more of Sylvian's first album - this is the one. It almost sounds like it should have been part of a double album.

'Steel Cathedrals' - the big 18min side two track is basically a forerunner to his work with Holger Czakay in '87. Only here it sounds far more Eastern and minimal. An Excellent recording throughout.