A truly romantic record. Full of mellow melancholy, reflecting the artist's troubled soul, it brings a temporary departure from the rich, intricate layers of sound dominating "Gone To Earth". Wandering through the world of his own ballads, this time Sylvian decided on equally mesmerising yet largely acoustic pieces. Setting the mood, "September" opens the album widely regarded as one of Sylvian's greatest achievements - a source of such classics as "Orpheus" or "The Boy With The Gun". Despite an aura of sadness in his voice, the musicians accompanying the artist are able to create a proper counterbalance with strings, flugelhorn (so ubiquitous an instrument in David's work) and unobtrusive electronic hues. All of that creates the overall feeling of ever-changing light and shadow pouring from beguiling, airy melodies and skilful manipulationon of moods. Even though resting on a deep, mournful brass pattern, the pleading voice filled with tangible sorrow and yearning for the days of joy, "Let The Happiness In" gradually evolves into a hopeful finale where only through the lighter shades in Sylvian's vocals does he briefly manage to re-capture those blissful moments. Eerie, shadowy tones creep in in the form of "Maria" or "When The Poets Dreamed Of Angels" whose innocent melody is counterbalanced by its disturbing lyrics. "Mother And Child" and the hugely emotional "Waterfront" follow suit, but it is "Orpheus" that, against all odds, is able to fill the air with a warm sense of sentimental daydreaming. It succeeds to do so regardless of the weather or season (September included). P.S. Remastered in 2003, "Secrets Of The Beehive" boasts the previously unreleased track "Promise (The Cult Of Eurydice)" in place of "Forbidden Colours" - its former finale. The record was promoted with "Orpheus" and "Let The Happiness In". The B-sides of the singles included "Mother And Child", "The Devil's Own" (12'' "Orpheus" single release) and previously unreleased "Blue Of Noon" (a slightly jazzy instrumental theme). [  back to the top