Edge of Silence

Edge of Silence

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The band Solas is based in the U.S., but the members are mostly Irish born and all are musicians of the first rank. The leader, Seamus Egan (flutes, tin whistles, uilleann pipes, guitars, etc.), won a bevy of Irish instrumental championships before he was out of his teens, and has since composed some notable film soundtracks, including The Brothers McMullen, which yielded the hit "I Will Remember You." Not surprisingly, Solas is one Celtic band that understands the meaning of a hook. This 2002 release is a mixed bag of jazzy floor-stompers, power-pop experiments, New Age exhalations, and ethereal ballads that make the most of Deirdre Scanlan's exquisite soprano. Winifred Horan's fiddling is especially evocative--dusky toned and effortlessly inventive--and the other players are also consistently on their game. However, their contributions are mitigated by intrusive synths and overdubs, which rise to the top of the mixes with crutchlike frequency. --Christina Roden

Product Description
In this era of disposable, singles-driven albums it's refreshing to encounter an album meant to be experienced as a whole rather than as a mere collection of tracks. Solas, already acclaimed by many as the most exciting Irish traditional group in the world, has broken new ground with their fifth album, The Edge Of Silence. They interpret a wide range of material in surprising ways; songs by contemporary artists are given a Celtic tinge, making explicit their connections with the deep, ultimately Celtic roots of American music. The Edge Of Silence is a moody, noir-ish song cycle with a cinematic feel. Solas weaves together a fascinating body of material including songs by Bob Dylan (the obscure gem "Dignity"), Tom Waits, Nick Drake and Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods. Also part of the mix are two striking songs by extraordinary new songwriting talent Antje Duvekot, as well as traditionally-rooted original compositions. It all adds up to a seamless and powerful evoking of elemental life forces--love, death, and the unquenchable human spirit.

The Edge Of Silence is produced by Grammy-winning producer Neil Dorfsman and Solas' leader Seamus Egan. Dorfsman has produced artists such as Sting, Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits, Bruce Hornsby and Paul McCartney.

Edge of Silence

Tracks:

Darkness, Darkness
Charmy Chaplin
Prelude #1/Black Annis
Who's in The What Now
Dignity
The Poisonjester's Mask
Maybe In a Prayer
Beck Street
Clothes Of Sand
Prelude #2/Georgia Lee

Amazon.com

The band Solas is based in the U.S., but the members are mostly Irish born and all are musicians of the first rank. The leader, Seamus Egan (flutes, tin whistles, uilleann pipes, guitars, etc.), won a bevy of Irish instrumental championships before he was out of his teens, and has since composed some notable film soundtracks, including The Brothers McMullen, which yielded the hit "I Will Remember You." Not surprisingly, Solas is one Celtic band that understands the meaning of a hook. This 2002 release is a mixed bag of jazzy floor-stompers, power-pop experiments, New Age exhalations, and ethereal ballads that make the most of Deirdre Scanlan's exquisite soprano. Winifred Horan's fiddling is especially evocative--dusky toned and effortlessly inventive--and the other players are also consistently on their game. However, their contributions are mitigated by intrusive synths and overdubs, which rise to the top of the mixes with crutchlike frequency. --Christina Roden

Album Description

In this era of disposable, singles-driven albums it's refreshing to encounter an album meant to be experienced as a whole rather than as a mere collection of tracks. Solas, already acclaimed by many as the most exciting Irish traditional group in the world, has broken new ground with their fifth album, The Edge Of Silence. They interpret a wide range of material in surprising ways; songs by contemporary artists are given a Celtic tinge, making explicit their connections with the deep, ultimately Celtic roots of American music. The Edge Of Silence is a moody, noir-ish song cycle with a cinematic feel. Solas weaves together a fascinating body of material including songs by Bob Dylan (the obscure gem "Dignity"), Tom Waits, Nick Drake and Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods. Also part of the mix are two striking songs by extraordinary new songwriting talent Antje Duvekot, as well as traditionally-rooted original compositions. It all adds up to a seamless and powerful evoking of elemental life forces--love, death, and the unquenchable human spirit.

Customer Reviews:

Excellant..........2005-03-17

I don't know what those other reviewers are thinking. This is a good CD. its has a lot of heart and some of the songs can at times bring tears to my eyes. I espcially love Prelude 2 and Cloths of Sand. Again, not quite sure what those other people who are condeming this CD were expecting.

Fools!!!.......2005-03-03

Anyone who listens to this album and cannot hear the amazing talent Solas brings to the Celtic table is a fool! This album is a spectacular example of trad/mod enfusion. Deidre's voice is simple, pure and effortless. Win's fiddle is raw and beautiful. Micks fingers are on fire on button and key. And the diversity of the talented Seamus Egan makes for a power house band - sounds strange to use that term with a celtic band but it works for Irish rockers like the Cranberries as well. I am a particular fan of Solas' interp of Bob Dylans Dignity, their version far surpasses the origional. If you are a fan of Celtic music in the slightest, listen to Solas. Check them out at www.Solasmusic.com too! Drop Deidre an email while your there, she loves a fan!

Not for everyone, lovely to me........2005-02-02

OK. Let's get something straight here--this album is not for everyone (notice the header). It's not even for everyone who loves Scots-Irish traditional music. Not that anything is.

For instance: If you want some pretty traditional purely accoustic music, this is not for you. Go seek Solas' earlier works--Sunny Days and Scattered Showers, for instance. Solas have for a while been undergoing a transition process and this appears to be the latest incarnation of that. It's not traditional by any stretch of the imagination. It attempts (and succeeds, i believe) to fulfill the promise made by so many bands over the years but so rarely kept - a mature union of rock and Scots-Irish traditional music. It borrows tunes from modern songwriters like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits and makes them sound very contemporary yet very much a part of the old tradition, like a new song turned into an old song masquerading as a new song. Think fiddles and accordians and electric guitars and synthesizers. Think Riverdance with PMS. Think Wolfstone.

Similarly, if you're really into upbeat music, i wouldn't look for it here. This album...well, it's not exactly "Black as the Night are my Roses", but it's certainly not cheery. The general mood is more like those days when you stand by the window, watching the twilight deepen and feeling inexplicably pensive. Black Annis touches on concerns about child abuse. Dignity and The Poison Jester's Mask feel like sharp commentaries on modern culture. Darkness, Darkness is an ode to oblivion. The instrumentals, while full of Solas' usual bounce and whirl, are almost entirely in minor keys.

If you have a deep appreciation for both rock and Scots-Irish traditional, however, you'll probably find something here to stir your soul. I could laud the musical talents of these folks, but the genius of the band is that Winifred Horan and Seamus Egan found a way to surround themselves with friendly performers as talented as they are; the result is a tight, seamless, take-no-prisoners sort of corporate sound. Beck Street drives forward like a mad dash through the narrowest city alleyways. Who's in the What Now has a synchopated grace that keeps me perpetually off balance. Georgia Lee is stunning in its simplicity. And Darkness, Darkness...let's face it--the Youngbloods never had it so good.

My best advice is to listen to at least one clip of instrumental and at least one clip of vocal music from this album, if you can--you'll know from that if you like it. This is the kind of work most fans of Scots-Irish traditional either love or hate; it's too bold a step to be in between.

I love this CD!.......2004-07-01

A friend of mine is a somewhat-rabid Solas fan, and I finally decided to listen to soundclips of the group's music. Am I ever glad I did. "The Edge of Silence" is absolutely beautiful, a fusion of Celtic and modern music I haven't heard anywhere else (no doubt it exists, but...), and Dierdre Scanlan's voice is lovely. The album includes a few instrumental tracks--2, 4, 7, and 8--and although I enjoyed those I liked the other songs a bit better.

Intense and captivating!.......2004-01-01

There is definitely an edge to this album, as well as a sense of understated silence that speaks volumes. Here, Solas takes a decidedly modern approach to their material, to the point I wouldn't be inclined to categorize much of it as "Celtic" at all. However, whereas "mainstreaming" has been tried by other Celtic groups with less than impressive results, Solas succeeds wonderfully! Originally touted as an example of new "traditional" group, they find a truly convincing and distinctive voice in this more contemporary venue as well. Gripping, emotive and distinctive, their music here truly shines! About half of the tracks on "The Edge of Silence" were written by group members (multi-instrumentalist Sean Egan, fiddler Winifred Horan and accordion player McAuley), while two songs are by guest vocalist Antje Duvekot and the others are well-chosen selections by the likes of Bob Dylan and Jessie Collin Young. Standout pieces include "Who's in the What Now" and "Beck Street", with their a-rhythmic, world-beat styles; the songs "Black Annis" and "Dignity", deceptively pretty tune-wise but with sobering lyrics; and the very cool and engaging interpretations of "Darkness, Darkness" and "Clothes of Sand". All in all, a super job! I can't wait to hear what this inventive and progressive group comes up with next! Try their earlier albums and compare. For more innovative Celtic music with a modern flair, check out the work of the Scottish group "Skyedance" too.

Average customer rating:

Edge of Silence

Manufacturer: Bright Room Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA3FXW
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Average customer rating:

Camilleri: Music for violin & piano

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000AFUB
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

Fant-Bolero
Sonatina No.1: First Movt: Allegro Moderato
Sonatina No.1: Second Movt: Lento
Sonatina No.1: Third Movt: Allegro Molto
The Spirit Of Solitude
Son No.1: First Movt: Andante
Son No.1: Second Movt: Libero Spaziale
Son No.1: Third Movt: Vivo
The Edge Of Silence: Still Star
The Edge Of Silence: Energies Radiantes
The Edge Of Silence: Edge Of Silence
Scanzona
Fantasia Con No.4: First Movt: Moderato
Fantasia Con No.4: Second Movt: Libero
Fantasia Con No.4: Third Movt: Vivo
The Frankfurt Prayer
Three Maltese Folk Songs: II Qarinza
Three Maltese Folk Songs: II Takriba
Three Maltese Folk Songs: II Kapcipa

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Edge Of Life

Manufacturer: Brennus/Musea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0002DVFX6
Release Date: 2004-06-07

Tracks:

Deafening Silence
The Black Swansong
Heavenly Dream
Edge Of Life
Northern Star
Eden
Save My Soul
Terror And Despair
Strong We Are
Reborn In The Night

Album Description

In 1995, High School students Guillaume CORSALE (Guitar) and Phil WAX (Bass) decided to build a band, in order to satisfy their passion for heavy-metal music: DEAFENING SILENCE was born. Julien MILBACH (Vocals), Sébastien SPADAFORA (Guitar) and Romain SILVANO (Drums) will soon join them. The start of this group from the French departement Moselle are marked by some differences with the other local groups. Whatever happens, the group doesn't deviate from its way. The positive reaction of the audience each time they give a concert brings confidence to the group, which records two demos: "Between Two Worlds" (1997) and "Muse" (2000). The first studio album, "Edge Of Life", is also released on the Brennus label in 2003. The influences of each musician can be felt in the compositions, containing a lot of energy while remaining melodic. Made for the stage, this music doesn't allow any doubt: your ears will remember it...

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Edge of Life
Deafening Silence
Manufacturer: Brennus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008Z0I4
Release Date: 2006-05-31

Album Details

In 1995, High School Students Guillaume Corsale (Guitar) and Phil Wax (Bass) Decided to Build a Band, in Order to Satisfy their Passion for Heavy-metal Music: Deafening Silence was Born. Julien Milbach (Vocals), Sébastien Spadafora (Guitar) and Romain Silvano (Drums) Will Soon Join Them. The Start of this Group from the French Departement Moselle Are Marked by Some Differences with the Other Local Groups. Whatever Happens, the Group Doesn't Deviate from Its Way. The Positive Reaction of the Audience Each Time They Give a Concert Brings Confidence to the Group, which Records Two Demos: "Between Two Worlds" (1997) and "Muse" (2000). The First Studio Album, "Edge of Life", is also Released on the Brennus Label in 2003. The Influences of Each Musician Can Be Felt in the Compositions, Containing a Lot of Energy While Remaining Melodic. Made for the Stage, this Music Doesn't Allow Any Doubt: Your Ears Will Remember It...

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

Average customer rating:

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

Manufacturer: BVHaast
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BKFFV8

Tracks:

Epitome
Gods Own Country
Of Gladder Flowers Than Gardens Wear
Box with the Sound of Its Own Making
Reiterate Paean
Analogon
Stichomythy
At Night the Silence Seems to Flow
Lost in Transit
Edge of Doom Is Set to the Root of All Your State

Some other place Some other time [Japan Import] +1 Bonus Track

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Some other place Some other time [Japan Import] +1 Bonus Track
Heavens Edge
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000N3ZBGC

Product Description

Out of print, superb second studio release from rockers, Heaven's Edge, that might as well have been released a year after their debut. From start to finish (in fact, right from the very opening seconds of the first track "Rock steady") the CD is 100% vintage late 80s powerhouse party/glam metal... with massive gang backing vocals, huge guitars... and not even the slightest hint of 90s rock influence. Japanese import, features one bonus track exclusive to this import edition. Out of print.

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Edge Of Life
Deafening Silence
Manufacturer: Brennus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000LX74ZK

Music Review: