Current 93 — Soft Black Stars
The tracks main focus is of course Tibet's texts that are presented in his typically and instantly recognisable spoken word/ semi-sang manner. With a musical backing that’s often subtle/haunting and mainly focused on the exquisite piano playing of Maja Elliott which is ornate & melodic yet often deep in melancholy. Lesser musically supporting roles come from Michael Cashmore on second piano and guitar, Pert Vastly on ghostly violin and viola trails- but really the main focus here is texts and piano. All of the tracks here are equal exquisite and heady with Tibet's texts, but a few of my favourites come in the form of ; A gothic Love song which presents it’s self in an elegant singer songwriter ballad structure with a high memorable melody line. With Tibet reeling off a wonderful wordy and at times searing put down of an ex lover or fan. The title track with its pretty yet mournful nursery rhyme pitter patter melody and Tibet captivating texts centred around the lines soft black stars. Or the epic, reverb heavy and haunted ambient instrumental beginning of the finally track Chewing on Shadows; which highlights Steve Stapleton’s production skills and sonic tension building. With Tibet coming in later sounding more intense and sharp than the rest of the album.
Extra tracks appear after a respectful two minute silence and are a more noisy, reverb heavy and stretched out version of Chewing on Shadows. And Acoustic guitar and striped version of Chewing the Shadows- both are interesting in there own right and show the different ways Tibet could have ended the album.
Certainly one of the Key albums in Tibet back catalogue. Haunting, heady and wonderful wordy and a great less challenging and soothing entry into Current 93’s vast discography for those un-familiar with Mr Tibet very distinctive sonic world.