Various - The Politics Of Disappearance
by Laura Branch
published: 21 / 1 / 2002

Label:
Radio Khartoum
Format: CD
intro
'The soundtrack to an imaginary film – the soundtrack to your internal monologue", 'The Politics of Disappearance' is the latest compilation from Radio Khartoum, "one of the few truly innovative record labels of the moment."
Radio Khartoum is undoubtedly one of the few truly innovative record labels of the moment, where the desire to create permeates all levels, and the preservation and perpetuation of this artistic integrity is of the utmost importance. This doesn’t make for dry and overly earnest music however, but for the exciting and unexpected. 'The Politics of Disappearance' is the soundtrack to an imaginary film , the soundtrack to your internal monologue. Leeds based Cavil sees the singer, in an uninterested manner, explore the concept of losing his history, which I find to be quite a simple yet evocative image – the ultimate detachment, the final stage in the evolution of independence and freedom, if you like. He continues to sing in his richly understated style, of moving through the night – further underlining the concept of disappearance and acts to set the scene perfectly. Dakota Suite’s cello driven offering deftly conjures up images of desolate landscapes and lonely journeys, reminiscent of a romanticised version of Russia with lots of Doctor Zhivago-esque imagery. 'I Turned Away That You Might Not See' is instrumental throughout and all the better for it – allowing your mind to add your own internal dialogue. By the fourth track the journey continues with an exotic and mysterious, perhaps Middle Eastern influenced sound, countered by Julien Ribot’s dense, stilted French vocals. An eerie interlude suggests ensuring disorder and chaos. With order restored his deep measured vocals carry the song along with a beautiful imperfection. Christine with 'Ailleurs…' weave a web of sound that gradually builds; enveloping and encompassing you – I really did feel as if the sound filled the room. And finally, an upbeat conclusion to 'The Politics of Disappearance' with Spring whose acoustic offering is complemented by brittle yet smooth female vocals. And that, after eighteen short minutes, is it. A mysterious and captivating journey which fills the room and your mind with rich enchanting images. Superb.
Track Listing:-
1 The Pierres - Loved2 Cavil - Here Not There
3 Dakota Suite - I turned Away So that I Might Not S
4 Julien Ribot - Autrepart est un lieu sans
5 Christine - Ailleurs
6 Spring - Love
most viewed articles
current edition
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - InterviewJack Frost - As Seen on TV
Nils Petter Molvaer - El Molino, Barcelona, 24/4/2025
John McKay - Interview
Editorial - July 2025
Robert Forster - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Kruder and Dofmeister - Paral-lel 62, Barcelona, 27/4/2025
Skunk Anansie - Old Market, Brighton, 16/5/2025
Yardbirds - Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, 18/4/2025
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboVultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
HAIM - I Quit
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a Circle
Pulp - More
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Little Simz - Lotus
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart