Death of the Sun by Cul De Sac (SAAH011)

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Cul de Sac’s long awaited ‘Death of the Sun’ (after 6 years of silence and many changes within the band) is of exceptional beauty and perfection, setting high standards to a band which is grounded into exploratory rock music. The first minutes of the opening song, ‘Dust of Butterflies’, might well be a sort of God Speed meets Rachel’s and alva noto (occasionally!)…and you wonder how this will unfold. Jonathan LaMaster’s violin chords enter the along and then Glenn Jones’ wonderful ‘valco acoustic guitar’ (resembling a banjo) infuses a folk touch in the song until the 4th minute reveals the entire band at its best. Jon Proudman’s gentle drums complete Jake Trussel’s discrete sequencer and LaMaster’s compelling violin chords.

After almost 10 minutes of an opening of pure beauty, I sit still not realising how naïve I could have been not to know about Cul de Sac. From this moment on, so many links seem to appear, with particular attention to John Fahey (who collaborated with them in 96) whose last marvellous ‘Red Cross’ album (released earlier this year after he passed away) includes an essay written by Glenn Jones himself.

I can barely avoid this intense and pure well being fulfilling me while the inner sleeve notes give me all the necessary information I could need as a CdS novice (band members and role, stories, etc). This is what any sort of label (independent vs coporate, popular vs serious music, etc) should do: allow the listener to read about the band members’ own experience on producing their album with related past stories. This band has been willing to continuously explore new territories, avoiding any sort of conformity and only recently have amalgamated ‘electronic’ inputs into there own musical ethos.

After a glimpse of post-country/western sounds, the following songs recall early Dead can Dance’s with African-inspired drums and cavernous woman’s voice, while the remaining of the album reminds me of current post/atmospheric-rock from the likes of Jackie O’ Motherfucker, Town & Country, Do Make Say Think & co or earlier Bowery Electric-like sounds.

Simply marvellous and not highly recommended but a rigorous must for any one into this genre of compelling music.