Manafon is a reserved experiment in artistic minimalism. The lack of exuberance in the song structure can grow wearisome after a while, especially in the bloated, prolonged middle section. Musically the vocals are the standout, and often the only obvious driving force behind the songs. The poetic lyrics and thought provoking metaphors are delivered with considered style, especially considering the abject despondency of the majority of the album. The withering misery could put many potential listeners off, as indeed could the long-lasting silences reminiscent of Sputnik favourite Godspeed You! Back Emperors F# A# (infinity) in style, if not in substance. At times it can be a difficult album to get through and without a doubt cannot just be put on at any time; listeners need to be in the mood for it. In the end Manafon fails to live up to previous works such as Brilliant Trees or Secrets Of The Beehive, but it has been 20 long years since Sylvian released those masterworks and Manafon is a good enough contemporary effort to tide fans over for another few years.
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