When I read that a new Fovea Hex album will be released in the “Very-Imminent-Future”, this revived fond memories of their 2007 box set called “Neither Speak Nor Remain Silent”. Two quotes may introduce this fascinating collection: Brian Eno thought these were “Some of the Most Extraordinary Songs I’ve heard in Years”, and The WIRE aptly summarized it this way: “If Emily Dickinson had ever been allowed to make a record, this is probably what it would have sounded like”. These comments are all about the songs, but I was also impressed by the way Fovea Hex combined the (unmistakable English) “folk” tradition, their sweet sounding but very strange and mysterious vocal poetry, with a daringly experimental sound backing – even to the most extreme on the stretched minimalist remixes of the Hafler Trio (Andrew McKenzie) on the bonus versions included in the original limited special edition. — originally published on Ambientblog —
Playlist:
1. H30 (Hafler Trio) – The Discussion (Bloom Bonus)
2. Fovea Hex – Don’t these Windows Open (Bloom)
3. H30 (Hafler Trio) – The Discussion (Bloom Bonus)
4. H30 (Hafler Trio) – An Answer (Allure Bonus)
5. Fovea Hex – Allure (Allure)
6. H30 (Hafler Trio) – The Discussion (Bloom Bonus)
7. Fovea Hex – While You’re Away (Huge)
8. H30 (Hafler Trio) – The Explanation (Huge Bonus)
9. H30 (Hafler Trio) – An Answer (Allure Bonus)
10. Fovea Hex – Huge (The Joy of Trouble) (Huge)
11. H30 (Hafler Trio) – An Answer (Allure Bonus)
12. Fovea Hex – We Sleep You Bloom (Bloom)
13. Fovea Hex – Neither Speak Nor Remain Silent (Allure)
14. H30 (Hafler Trio) – An Answer (Allure Bonus)
All tracks from “Neither Speak Nor Remain Silent”, 2007 Limited Edition Box Set containing “Bloom” “Huge” and “Allure”. Die Stadt; Janet Records, DS83, DS86, DS89, JR001, JR002, JR003