Haunting from start to finish, The Light The Dead See saw Soulsavers team up with the legendary Dave Gahan. The collaboration exceeded expectations, making it the #9 album on my Best of 2012 list. My original review is below.
Favorite tracks: "In The Morning", "Longest Day", "Presence Of God", "Tonight'
Rich Machin and Ian Glover are Soulsavers, a production duo from England who are returning with their fourth album. Although you may not be as familiar with those names, the name Dave Gahan certainly will peak some interest in this project, the stunningly gorgeous The Light The Dead See. The lead singer of Depeche Mode provides the vocals on the entire album and the mix of orchestral, downtempo electronic and Gahan's singular voice leads to one of the year's finest releases.
Soulsavers' music is far from just electronic, however. It is awash in cinematic strings, guitars, bass and live drums, in addition to the electronic elements. It is absolutely no surprise Machin and Glover also compose film scores, the music here fits that description perfectly. It's majestic, swirling and captivates you from the start. The duo has previously featured the likes of Mark Lanegan and Mike Patton as vocalists on their albums, but Gahan takes things to another level here.
The majority of the album is filled with lovely downtempo tunes that delve into numerous musical styles. There is a soulful quality at work here, certainly a dramatic rock influence, and even some gospel elements as well. Lush tracks like "In The Morning", "Longest Day" and "Presence Of God" certainly border on a religious experience, they're that good. "Take Me Back Home" is a bluesy slow burner, another standout track.
Gahan fans will not want to miss this album, he delivers fantastic vocal work throughout. But fans of moving, emotionally compelling music will want to make sure to pick up The Light The Dead See as well. It's the perfect response to the tired notion that 'good music isn't being made anymore.' A must have 2012 release.
The Light The Dead See was released May 22, 2012 on Mute Records.
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