Avalon

Description

The journey is long from the extravagances and decadent melodies to the brilliant legitimacy of "Avalon". A decade has passed that has seen the rise of these pioneers and their contemporaries (Bowie, Sparks, Alice Cooper) now at the hour of recognition and distributed legacy, found in a spectrum ranging from the gothic Bauhaus, Cure to the romantic electropop Depeche Mode, Simple Minds or Japan. Among the latter, David Sylvian seems the most worthy representative of British elegance. Under the guidance of Rhett Daves and Bob Clearmountain at Compass Point Studios in Nassau (Bahamas) and at the Power Plant in New York, Roxy Music, which is now just the treasure of Bryan Ferry, is getting an expensive facelift. Manzanera and Mackay, faithful to their posts, are surrounded by some studio heavyweights (Neil Hubbard, Alan Spenner, Andy Newmark, Neil Jason, Jimmy Maelen, and Fonzi Thornton), who somewhat restrain their ardor. Their parameterized and domesticated interventions flow throughout these ten tracks with smooth production. From this setting emerge hits like pearls: "More Than This", "Avalon" and "Take A Chance With Me" fit effortlessly into FM radio format, and "The Space Between" or "While My Heart Is Still Beating" could just as well have submitted to it. No need to look for literary references, this time Master Ferry abandons brainstorming for the evocation of some real or fictional romantic feelings. Ten tracks of pure evanescence that make you dream and place "Viva!", "Manifesto" and other "Flesh + Blood" in the status of pretty sketches. These little touches of pastel synths over an unyielding rhythm, this voice finally stripped of effects, and some adjusted choirs are the essence of this journey in mythological land. The rich instrumental "India" transports us to that ultimate place where Roxy Music reaches its Omega of extreme sophistication where easy listening and stylized pop find their culmination. A feat of efficiency, "Avalon" reveals superb melodies under this sumptuous decor. It is the end of the journey - or at least of a first life - for this prestigious name that both gives way and shows the path to contenders.