Search - Eyeless in Gaza :: Drumming the Beating Heart / Pale Hands I Loved

Essential albums unfortunately packaged together

Jerry Nilson | Sweden | 08/24/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These albums date back to 1982 and the group has not received almost any mention in the media since the mid-80ies, despite that they are almost as active today as they were back then. These albums mark the essential elements of what characterizes Eyeless In Gaza -- alternative, haunting, personal, emotional, beautiful music that reveals fascinating musicality on behalf of the two musicians. The music sounds "classical", even if it may be pop, as it is hard to label as "80ies music" -- it sounds as fresh today as it did back then.Cherry Red handled this release rather badly and it is very unfortunate that the improvisational masterpiece 'Pale Hands I Loved So Well' met the fate of being added as a bonus to the Drumming the Beating Heart album. 'Pale Hands I Loved So Well' might be one of the most important albums done in the 80ies and it had very big influences on a long line of bands at that time. --Just like Eyeless In Gaza's 'Saw You in Reminding Pictures' album from 1994 might have had if there would have been a glimmer of support from the music media establishment. Few bands have been as innovative as Eyeless In Gaza (the only other band that comes to mind would be Tuxedomoon) and it is important not only to listen to their limited output of more straight pop tunes (i.e. Back from the Rains). This release shows Eyeless In Gaza at their most creative and in a period of rapid change. The music gets five stars. (There is also a web site with all you need to know about the band.)"

The Best Kept Secret in Avant Rock

D. B. Rocca | Parkland, FL United States | 12/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To describe an album such as "Pale Hands...," I'll use the words of the band themselves (describing their 1994 release in a similar vein, "Saw You In Reminding Pictures"): Imaginary soundtracks, soundscapes for the reminding pictures in us." Like Eno, EIG evoke an alien sonic landscape that surrounds the listener; color and shape collides with emotion and memory.
"Blue Distance" -piano in frenzy, with resonant harmonies swooping in from the background (like The Harp of New Albion almost)
"falling leaf/fading flower..." My favorite, it feels like the real melody is never really expressed, but alluded to...tense and austere
"letters to she" Gregorian chant changes into something menacing, as if Hell was opening its gates
Like most great albums, Pale Hands is hard to appreciate right away; it has to grow on you and be absorbed. But it is like clasical music; themes within themes, and counterpoint melodies that surprise, and always another layer, another way of hearing it. It is, I think, the deepest music I have ever heard; it's like they let their soul run pure into this music!
As for Drumming...; it stands on its own. Strong songwriting, beautiful (yet simple) arangements that teem with emotion, and Martyn's powerful vocals all prevail in what is probably their quintessential release. It's also a testament to their instrumental virtuousity (they are so in sync it's like they are one person!). A little less timeless, though; it feels very much like the early eighties post-punk ethos.
My only gripes are the sound quality (they really should have remastered these), and the editing of songs (like "Before You Go" which got it last minute or so cut off). But, both are stellar albums for those into ambient rock experimentation."