Search - Eden :: Fire & Rain

Find "Gateway to the Mysteries" and forget this one...

John DiFool | Jacksonville, FL USA | 05/09/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The band Eden (one of several bands with that name) drastically changed their sound between their debut _Gateway to the Mysteries_ (now sadly out of print) and _Fire and Rain_ (which also involved several lineup changes with only lead singer and songwriter Sean Bowley left). In their former incarnation they were a powerfully compelling and deeply spiritual gothic neo-pagan band which managed to transcend genre conventions. However on this release they fell victim to those conventions in a major way. Goth cliches come out of the woodwork ("The darkness in me is the darkness in you"? Give me a break!) as they abandoned precisely those elements which made their debut so special. I would pass on this unless you really love your goth laid on thick, and instead try to find their debut-if you can. Or try _Healingbow_ for an example of what kind of band they once were (tho this EP isn't half as good as _Gateway_...). John DiFool"

Atmospheric Brilliance

John DiFool | 01/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fire & Rain is an excellent example full-length cd suited to fans of sensureal music. This cd's sound is post eno-esque, possibly a later day manifestation of the spine-tingling production introduced by Martin Hannett on the Joy Division albums. The vocal work is driven and passionate. The lyrical themes tackle various aspects of love gone wrong. The yin/yang nature of relationship dissfunctionality is explored in the cd's opening song with lines such as "The darkness in me is like the darkness in you". This track is followed by a moody ballad titled "snake". The writer reflects upon the tragedy of broken love and contemplates the fact that it now seems difficult to celebrate the love that once was. "Hooveless Horses" is an amazing soundscape/poem that examines the passing of spring and the singers desire to forsake heartbreak by joining the exodus of the autumn's leaves. This cd boasts two wonderful eastern tinged instrumentals "sky above: sea below" and "breath upon new eyes". "Fire and rain" explodes at its end with the abrasive broken love ballad "Just like water you run from my eyes". "Just like water" hints at a male equivalent to PJ Harvey's moodier work. The "Fire and Rain" cd breaks the perceived medieval/world music mould of Eden's earlier work. "Fire and Rain" demonstrates that the group is quite capable of extending its artistic vision into far more intimate and atmospheric territory than the earlier releases "Gateway to the Mysteries" and "Healingbow". If you are looking at buying an example of the Australian Eden's work - this is the cd I would recommend most."

Psychodelic love songs

John DiFool | 07/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To anyone thinking of buying this cd-do it! Fire and Rain by Eden contains some of the most perfect atmospheres. Tracks such as "darkness in me" have an acoustic edge, while songs like "hooveless horses" create an ambient suspension of pure lovelorn bliss. There are also exotic instumentals on this cd. The voice of Sean Bowley is powerful and conveys the themes perfectly. Fire and Rain is a ribbon that threads love, psychodelia, sensuality, and the evening sky. I anticipate a follow up release with enthusiasm."