Sian Alice Group
The Dusk Line EP (Social Registry)
By Noreen Sobczyk
Published: June 20th, 2008 | 1:00pm
Sian Alice Group has received rave reviews, but this isn’t one of them. The Dusk Line is reminiscent of the Gothic ambient or Darkwave movement of the mid ‘90s (think Projekt label) — which, with few exceptions, was a genre of wanking into the wind. This EP is meant to be a stripped-down departure, an exercise in restraint that features only vocalist Sian Ahern and the piano work of Rupert Clervaux; but in a world of composers like Henryk Górecki and Arvo Pärt, or even lesser known bands such as the Rachels — this simply doesn’t cut it.
Having heard tracks from the band’s LP 59.59, this self-described extension EP (recorded during 59.59 sessions) comes as a bit of a disappointment. In comparison, “Way Down To Heaven” (from 59.59) succeeds in being minimalist, but conveys a sense of intimate urgency, building anticipation which then swirls and crescendos into a more full, but ever steady, beat. At song’s end comes a slow, throbbing hum, which perfectly creates an afterglow effect — like great sex.
Unfortunately, none of that appears on this new “partner,” The Dusk Line. The songs are sparse and repetitive, and somehow manage to be simultaneously relaxing and creepy; the female vocals are a focal point, yet the lyrics don’t come to the fore; a lackadaisical tempo meshes well with the timbre of Ahern’s vocals, but she and Clervaux plod along a musical path that ultimately leads nowhere.
The most satisfying and interesting piece is the final song “When...(Variation),” which seems to be an experiment; one that serves to reiterate how well the band works together to bring out the best in one another. Overall, The Dusk Line is simple and serene, stopping short of Pollyanna. However, listening to this album is a bit like eating a marshmallow: It’s sweet, but ultimately unfulfilling.
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Sian Alice Group's MySpace page
Issue #26
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