Sleep England is "Michael Cashmor's" first album under his own name, a
name that will be familiar to followers of Current 93.
For the
past 15 years Michael Cashmore has imbued the work of Current 93
with majestic chords and pastoral shades.
His musical
contributions have lent a warm melancholy to David Tibet's
armageddon outpourings.
Sleep England takes these as its
starting point with his beautiful guitarwork left uncluttered,
its brittle pluck and strum weaving intricate melodies issuing a
steady stream of gently tumbling notes.
Sometimes drawing them to
the light, othertimes casting them to the dark or graciously
seeking out melodies when called for.
His deft playing is bold
but light with gentle swaying chords and with tremelo, echo and
harmonious tones he adds colouring to the pastoral shades.
Cashmore's guitar playing is easily identifiable but working
within clearly defined parameters largely set by his choice of
instrumentation his compositions have their roots in folk and
medieaval musics.
Having said that a number of these thirteen
tracks feature sweet pop melodies, occassionally even straying
into post-rock territory for a moment.
Yet the sheer beauty of Sleep England is to be found in
the hazy reverie created.
It's a space for reflection, a place to
catch sight of half-forgotten memories while Cashmore seeks out
his elusive England.
And when Michael Cashmore can produce music
as staggering as this let's just hope his quest remains
unfulfilled.
Tracklist:
1 Twilight Empire 4:50
2 I Killed Dusk 3:28
3 Dream England 3:35
4 Broken Seas 3:23
5 If We Knew Silence 4:19
6 The Way They're Found 3:15
7 Passed To Snow 2:48
8 Eight White Stars 4:04
9 Sleep England 4:48
10 Vernon Road 2:24
11 Keepsake 3:38
12 Flowers Under Snow 3:15
13 Untitled 3:42
Old Europa Cafe AVS
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