Russell Mills

Russell Mills' Pearl & Umbra fuses world music, electronic, and rock influences into intense, predominantly instrumental songs like the droning, percussive "Swallow Crystals," the tribal, passionate "Canyon: Split Asunder," and the jazzy, brass-driven "All Wise Fly (Pneuma)." The album also features contributions from like-minded musicians such as Bill Laswell, Harold Budd, Roger Eno, Paul Schutze, Robin Guthrie, and Brian Eno. David Sylvian's world-weary vocals add to the delicate unease of "Rooms of Sixteen Shimmers," while Susan Deyhim's warm, passionate vocals add another layer of mystery to "Heaven Dips," and Clodagh Simond's brogue adds a Celtic tinge to the cover of Syd Barrett's "Golden Hair." "Causes, Causes, Causes" and "Cage of Air" pit winding, wailing guitars against pummeling polyrhythms and pulsing basslines. Every bit as intricate and engaging as Undark, Pearl & Umbra adds warmth and resonance to Mills' musical chiaroscuro. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide