Toward The WithinDead Can Dance Live In Concert
According
to founding members Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry, “Dead Can Dance” was thus
named for the idea that music is the act of bring inanimate objects (a drum, a
hollowed stick, a wire stretched across wood, etc.) to life. Within this conception,
the musician is somewhat of a “channel” through which life giving forces flow,
using conscious effort to be sure but also allowing themselves to discover, feel
and express the inherent “center” of each musical piece traveling somehow through
our collective soul.
Before skeptics run from such abstract and “New Age” notions, it should be noted
that one or two quietly thoughtful viewings (listenings) are likely to explain
all that words can not. This is stunningly original music with hyponotic beauty
and majesty. From Lisa’s soaring and mystical vocals (employing heartfelt notes
detached from words, like an angel calling from heaven), to Brendan’s baritone
encantations of classically philosophical poetry, over the top of tribal poly-rhythms
and wickedly novel sound designs, Dead Can Dance is often the modern version of
gothic cathedral music: Spirituality set to song.
This video captures Dean Can Dance at a Los Angeles landmark shortly before the
deconstruction of each. Without special effects or other Hollywood pyrotechnics,
this simple film documents the artists and their art across an array of instruments.
Songs are interleaved with short interviews which serve as insightful background
to DCD’s unique sound and approach to composition.
It is no wonder that film-makers have begun using Lisa’s voice and DCD music in
such powerful movies as Baraka and Gladiator. Having seen the band live on a few
occassions, including the Mayfair performance captured in this video, it is not
surprising to watch viewers become literally moved to tears by the utter passion
and beauty of the works. This is appropriate mood music for a winter’s night with
a crackling fire, a rainy day staring out the kitchen window, or a hope-filled
rejuvenation from any spell of melacholy.
This month, surprise yourself (eyes, ears, heart and soul) with this awe-provoking
alternative to plastic media and hollow beings: Begin your important journey “Toward
The Within”.