I confess myself somewhat mystified as to the complete
title of this collection from nachtmusik label and distributor
Middle Pillar, for the subtitle consists of the following: An
Exploration of the Experimental Japanese Dance Theater. In my less
sanguine moments I've found myself wondering if these bands went to see a
butoh performance, or what. That's not really what the collection reminds
me of, on the whole. However, it is a very good compilation, with the
goth/ambient/electronic/slight-industrial for which Middle Pillar is known
(the CD listing handily includes a brief description of each track below
the title; the word "ethereal" is used a lot. If that's your cuppa
absinthe, look no further; otherwise, consider yourselves warned). There's
a little bit of everything, from the upbeat "As a Mirror" from Mors
Syphilitica to the trance-y "Chrysalis" from the Unquiet Void (though
their "Angels" lost me a bit in the wash of vocal samples which opens the
piece). Other especially good stuff includes the rhythmically engaging
"Damnation" from Wench, Zoar's infectiously danceable "Secrets of Death,"
and the ballad-inflected "Morpheus" from recently-signed Sumerland. Since
Butoh consists of either unique tracks or remixes, it's a good bet for
fans of Middle Pillar artists, but it also serves as a good introduction
to the label's catalog.
-- Originally appeared on Gothic.net, August 2001