Avalon

Description

It’s been a long journey from the decadent extravagances and melopees to the brilliant legitimacy of "Avalon." A decade has passed since the advent of these precursors and their contemporaries (Bowie, Sparks, Alice Cooper), who are now recognized for their legacy, found in a spectrum ranging from goth bands like Bauhaus and The Cure to electro-pop romantics like Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, and Japan. Among the latter, David Sylvian seems the most worthy representative of British elegance. Under the tutelage of Rhett Davies and Bob Clearmountain at Compass Point Studios in Nassau (Bahamas) and Power Plant in New York, Roxy Music, now essentially Bryan Ferry's personal treasure, underwent an expensive facelift. Manzanera and Mackay, still on board, are surrounded by a few studio heavyweights (Neil Hubbard, Alan Spenner, Andy Newmark, Neil Jason, Jimmy Maelen, and Fonzi Thornton), who somewhat curb their zeal. Their controlled and domesticated contributions flow through these ten tracks with slick production. From this polished setting, hits emerge like pearls: "More Than This," "Avalon," and "Take A Chance With Me" effortlessly adapt to FM radio formats, and "The Space Between" or "While My Heart Is Still Beating" could have easily followed suit. There's no need to search for literary references; this time, master Ferry foregoes brainstorming for the evocation of real or fictional romantic feelings. Ten tracks of pure evanescence that inspire dreams and relegate "Viva!", "Manifesto," and other "Flesh + Blood" to the status of pretty drafts. These subtle pastel synth touches over an unyielding rhythm, this finally unadorned voice, and a few well-placed choruses are the entire substance of this journey into mythological lands. 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 beneath its sumptuous backdrop. It's the end of the journey – or at least a first life – for this prestigious name, which both steps aside and shows the way for its successors.