SECRETS OF THE BEEHIVE

This album is a slow paced, atmospheric and beautiful piece of art. Something similar might be TALK TALK's "Spirit Of Eden", although I would say this is more accessible, and I like the vocals here more. David Sylvian sounds like David Bowie, he has a warm, deep singing voice.

The highlights for me are the far too short opening song "September" with David's singing accompanied by piano and strings.The lyrics on this record are very good and thought provoking,some songs are simply telling a good story, like "The Boy With the Gun" the only song I believe to feature electric guitar and double bass. "Maria" is a short, spacey and eerie tune. "Orpheus" is the best song in my opinion, it just flows and it is so melodic, i've hit the repeat button many times to hear this amazing song again and again.

"The Devil's Own" features a vocal and piano intro that comes back later, in between synths and woodwinds are added to the mix. "When Poets Dreamed Of Angels" is an excellent tune, with a Steve Howe sounding acoustic guitar melody throughout, on a song about a woman who is being physically abused. "Mother And Child" has a jazz feel to it. "Let The Happiness In" is a great song featuring trumpet, fluglehorn and synths. I like "Waterfront" too, with the strings and piano complimenting the vocals.

This is a record I highly recommend.