Name: Poem
Brand: EMI International
SKU: 281045
Availability: OutOfStock

Performer Notes

Delerium: Bill Leeb, Rhys Fulber.
Additional personnel includes: Jenifer McLaren (vocals, piano); Leigh Nash, Joanna Stevens, Matthew Sweet, Rani, Kirsty Hankshaw, Aude, The Mediaeval Babes, Juli Galois (vocals); Sean Ashby (acoustic & electric guitars); Luke Doucet (acoustic guitar); Heidi Krutzen (harp); Jane Scarpantoni, Peggy Lee (cello); Tony Nickles (oboe); Dave Kershaw (Fender Rhodes piano); Ashwin Sood (drums).
Engineers include: Mark Chevalier, David Norland, Greg Reely.
Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber are perfectionists when it comes to their individual musical spirituality. Gothic contexts hitting upon an almost pseudo-intellectual stance is typical Delerium. Alas, it is interesting and deeply alluring in the sense of composing unique artistic dance music. This Mortal Coil aimed for such emotion and, unlike its other musical moniker, Frontline Assembly, Delerium allows for a calm and settling approach in making music. Poem lays into airy and burdened repetition, but the use of guest vocals makes it worthwhile. Modern rocker Matthew Sweet adds an edge to "Daylight," but the classicality found with using a female voice is what makes Delerium most familiar and most enjoyable. Mediaeval Baebes' Katharine Blake (ex-Miranda Sex Garden) throws "Aria" into a passionate tirade of electronic wizardry in abstract composition. Synth beats are heavy, yet the overall note progression aims for an anesthetizing seclusion. "Nature's Kingdom," featuring the lovely Kirsty Hawkshaw (Opus III) appeals in the same way. There's an inventiveness found on Poem, almost as striking as 1997's Karma, but the initial desire holds true. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

Professional Reviews

Q (7/01, p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...The quasi-religious air remains as Leeb crafts lavish backdrops for singer-songwriters....Dido fans will surely swoon to 'Underwater' and the majestic 'Nature's Kingdom'..."

Alternative Press (3/01, p.74) - 3 out of 5 - "...Evokes every new-age-groove clichT imaginable, from Gregorian chants to pan flutes to politely understated hip-hop beats..."