by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

After such a long and prestigious career in music, it feels odd to be talking about Vince Clarke’s first solo album. And yet here it is, the first time he has stepped out in a lone capacity. Having been a key founder member of Yazoo, Depeche Mode and Erasure, where he still resides, you might think this music had been in the offing for a long time – but in truth it was lockdown that inspired Songs Of Silence.

Alone with his cat and the modular synthesizer format Eurorack, Clarke set to work, enjoying the instrumental restrictions and also thriving on a technique which sees him base each of the ten tracks on a drone.

What’s the music like?

Vince Clarke’s music is of very strong presence and character. It is also deeply serious, but with a great deal of light and shade that gives these silent songs a great deal of expression.

Clarke uses drones as his musical currency, rather than intricate synth lines. Catchy chorus hooks are less forthcoming, but that is not a problem. While each of the ten tracks is based on a single note, they provide a strong base over which the treble melodies and textures can freely operate. There is some very descriptive music here too, typified by Cathedral and Red Planet.

At times the music is minimal, stark even – and when this happens emotions run high, the music baring its soul. Reed Hays’ cello cuts to the quick on Lamentations Of Jeremiah, a musical ritual with an intensely emotional melodic line, speaking of trial and hardship. Caroline Joy brings her vocals to the vocalise Passage, releasing energy generated by the preceding White Rabbit.

Textures are often stark, rising ahead like hills in the road or the outline of craggy mountains. And yet there is solace too, the drones offering comfort from the intensity above.

The parallels with the Covid outbreak are notable, Clarke exploring music of resentment and anger, but ultimately the music finds a troubled peace. His electronic pop prowess is temporarily set aside, but he is equally at home in slower music.

Does it all work?

It does. Clarke achieves a sense of timelessness, not just through the drones but also the melodic material that unfolds with grace and stature.

Is it recommended?

Yes, enthusiastically. It is typical of Vince Clarke that he should deliver an album of such quality, but also that it should be consistently rewarding.

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Published post no.2,020 – Saturday 25 November 2023