The Rock Blogger

Current 93 . All the Pretty Little Horses (TheInMostLight). 1996. 5 stars.

The brainchild of the UK’s David Tibet , Current 93 is a prolific act that has evolved from the early industrial scene of the 80s to become neofolk , crafting a unique musical form that blends literary poetry and acoustical elements with industrial and experimental sounds. All the Pretty Little Horses is one of Tibet’s most acclaimed works, taking the listener on an esoteric and haunting spiritual journey.

Touching on themes of death, isolation and salvation, Tibet’s dark lyricism remains fixated on the concept of “The Inmost light” or soul that remains dim and suppressed in the material world. The concept repeats itself across the album, remaining the stark point of reference for TIbet’s ruminations on childhood and fading memories. The gentle lullabies like “All the Pretty Little Horses” and “The Blood Bells Chime” have Tibet carefully drawing us into his disturbing and almost mystical visions of abandoned streets and distant forests, playgrounds for the lost characters of his narrative. The lyrics also carry an apocalyptic tension, with mention of a “smashed god” and lonely Christ figures wandering desolate landscapes. Tibet’s vocals are meticulously annunciated, reading off his poetry with almost religious abandon, expressing a distinct English tone that alludes to the visionary musings of William Blake and Alistair Crowley .

The sprawling and immersing lyrical themes are complemented by the acoustic guitar rhythms that drive the majority of the songs. Simple progressions make up the backbone of the album until they slowly unravel in the more experimental passages, where strange drones, chimes, field recordings, chants and singing children emerge from the darkness. The production is deep and gives clarity to the eclectic elements that weave in and out of the arrangements.

While All the Pretty Little Horses is unusual, bleak and often frightening, it can also be unbearably beautiful. Taken in as a whole, the album’s narrative and composition is incredibly fluid and engrossing, inviting the listener to enter Tibet’s world on his terms. It forces you to leave behind your musical prejudices as you enter Current 93’s singular and eschatological trances. For is cohesiveness, drama and thematics, All the Pretty Little Horses remains an innovative and introspective masterpiece.

Current 93 - The blood bells chime mp3

This entry was posted on Monday, March 31st, 2008 at 3:47 pm and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.