One of the most exceptional songwriters of the 1980s era, Vince Clarke is a name everyone should know. A key part of Depeche Mode’s early success, composing the music for their 1981 debut album Speak & Spell, he would quickly move on and re-emerge in various other projects. Forming Yazzo (or Yaz as known in America) with Alison Moyet, their 1982 album Upstairs at Eric’s is nothing less than stunning and a top 10 release of the decade.
If this was all not enough, Clarke would then go onto to form Erasure in 1985 with Andy Bell, attaining massive success over the course of 19 albums, and forever beloved singles that include 86’s “Oh L’amour,” along with “Chains of Love,” and “A Little Respect” from ’88. Yet still, this is just only a microcosm of what Clarke has accomplished!
A truly special talent, surprisingly enough, Clarke has never put out any solo material under his name alone. Perhaps too busy with all his other endeavors over the last forty plus years, now in 2023 Clarke offers listeners his first-ever solo album entitled Songs of Silence. Released on November 17th through Mute Records, Clarke apparently bunkered down in his New York home studio to put together some music, and what emerged are 10 songs unique to anything he has done before.
Now, for those who are expecting a Synthpop album in the vein of what Clarke has previously composed and recorded, temper your expectations. As stated, this is vastly different from his other works and is more rooted as an ambient soundtrack. A bold exploration for the songwriter, allegedly the ideas first came about as a way to fill gaps during the grueling pandemic lockdowns of 2020. In this time Clarke began devoting more time to working with a Eurorack. For those wondering what in the world a Eurorack is, the answer is a modular synthesizer format known for limitless configurations. Developed in 1995, in the years to follow it has become a dominant hardware modular synthesizer format.
All this said, and without boring you with technicalities, utilizing this format, what Clarke produces is moody, dark, yet a relaxing instrumental soundscape. Without shape, the album really flows like water, taking you along a journey that is almost Science Fiction. Airy and almost infinity, the textures often leave you feeling as if you are floating in space. That is why it is utterly pointless to discuss any one track on Songs of Silence… because the only way to absorb it is as a collective piece.
Overall, Songs of Silence is certainly not for everyone, as it takes a specific type of listener to appreciate what it has to offer. However, if you are willing to open your mind to the possibilities it presents, you will find yourself feeling free and perhaps less anxious. Yes, there is a somber tone amidst it, one that may make you feel like the end is near, but within this there is an undeniable beauty. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Clarke’s experimental Songs of Silence 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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