Formed in Melbourne in 1981, Dead Can Dance have cut quite a unique swathe for themselves over the past three decades.
With their sound, the band could be best described as neo-classical, mixing traditional elements of that genre with a great variety of third world musical styles, such as Gregorian chants and African polyrhythms.
In Concert is a compelling and highly stimulating listen. The listener never quite knows where the music of Dead Can Dance will take them, with this live recording a gorgeous illustration of the differences that exist between music in its recorded form and when it is translated to the live milieu.
Kicking off with the grandiose “Children Of The Sun”, this live collection is very much a journey the listener takes with the band.
It is a great overview of the duo’s career, featuring material from across their back catalogue, right up to music from Anastasis, released last year when the band regrouped after splitting up in 1998.
It also features a truly stunning reading of the Tim Buckley track “Song To The Siren”, which effortlessly pierces the heart, such is its intensity and feel.
In Concert is a fantastic introduction for newcomers to the weird and wonderful world of Dead Can Dance and serves as a reminder of how music can really take you to places you’ve never been before.
