Eyeless In Gaza - Voice - The Best Of Eyeless In Gaza (1993)

Supplanting earlier compilations as the definitive study of Eyeless in Gaza's initial existence, Voice ranges from the spiky post-punk extremes of "Kodak Ghosts Run Amok" to the winning pop-focused aims of "Between These Dreams." Assembled more or less in chronological order, it's a perfect snapshot of the duo's slow evolution toward a more delicate style and delivery, with nearly every song a highlight of the continuing Bates/Becker partnership. Hearing Bates' earlier, near-voice-shredding delivery and the stripped-down sounds of quiet drones, early synths and rhythm boxes from Becker makes for an instructive listen for those more familiar with the more immediately accessible and involved work of the Rust Red September and Back from the Rains days. The combination of strange, unearthly guitar from Bates and Becker's technology sometimes suggests what might have happened had the Durutti Column and early Depeche Mode collaborated. "Speech Rapid Fire" might just be the best synth-pop song few have ever heard, while "Invisibility" lets Bates display what happens when vocal passion doesn't equal "look at me" pretension. Hearing how the band tested out new arrangements, unusual melodies, and a persistent, low-key reinvention makes a great object lesson for how expanding ambitions can work rather than causing someone to artistically stumble. A complete lyric sheet shows well how Bates' atypical lyric approach, many times avoiding rhymes, reads as well as it sounds — a rarity in music. A thorough discography, up to date as of the disc's 1993 appearance, and some archival photos complete the overall package, making Voice the best entry point for those new to the band. Hardcore fans won't need it per se as there are no rarities, but it's a well put together collection for those without CD burners to make their own best-of disc. ~ Ned Raggett



Tracklist:
1 01. Eyeless In Gaza - Kodak Ghosts Run Amok (02:26)
1 02. Eyeless In Gaza - No Noise (02:50)
1 03. Eyeless In Gaza - Seven Years (02:20)
1 04. Eyeless In Gaza - From A to B (02:17)
1 05. Eyeless In Gaza - Speech Rapid Fire (02:54)
1 06. Eyeless In Gaza - Invisibility (02:38)
1 07. Eyeless In Gaza - Others (02:53)
1 08. Eyeless In Gaza - Rose Petal Knot (02:08)
1 09. Eyeless In Gaza - Out from the Day-to-Day (02:59)
1 10. Eyeless In Gaza - Transcience Blues (04:30)
1 11. Eyeless In Gaza - Picture The Day (01:44)
1 12. Eyeless In Gaza - Two (02:27)
1 13. Eyeless In Gaza - Veil Like Calm (01:51)
1 14. Eyeless In Gaza - One By One (03:27)
1 15. Eyeless In Gaza - Pencil Sketch (02:22)
1 16. Eyeless In Gaza - Through Eastfields (03:44)
1 17. Eyeless In Gaza - Changing Stations (02:23)
1 18. Eyeless In Gaza - Corner Of Dusk (03:50)
1 19. Eyeless In Gaza - Drumming The Beating Heart (02:13)
1 20. Eyeless In Gaza - New Risen (02:47)
1 21. Eyeless In Gaza - Sun Bursts In (03:47)
1 22. Eyeless In Gaza - Welcome Now (03:33)
1 23. Eyeless In Gaza - Back From The Rains (03:14)
1 24. Eyeless In Gaza - Lilt Of Music (01:32)
1 25. Eyeless In Gaza - Back from the Rains (02:42)
1 26. Eyeless In Gaza - Between These Drums (00:37)