Excelsis, Volume 2: A Winter's Song

by

Various Artists

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I absolutely love this CD! Let me begin by saying that I am not the type of person who enjoys most Christmas music. I find that a lot of what gets played on the radio during the month of December to be rather out-dated and bland. This CD is definitely quite the opposite. This compilation is a great intermediate for those who enjoy gothic/darkwave music, yet don't want something too "dark" for the holidays.

The music is ambient and ethereal, and creates a somewhat darker atmosphere than your typical Bing Crosby Christmas songs, but that's a good thing! Some good examples of these darker songs are "Lord of the Dance" by Unto Ashes, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Lycia, and "Coventry Carol" performed by The Machine in the Garden. However, there are many up-beat songs as well. Songs such as the Cruxshadows' version of "Happy Xmas," and the Hanukkah song "Little Candles" by Sofia Run serve to break up the at times bleak atmosphere created by some of the other tracks. Some standout tracks include the 16th century hymn "Gaudete, Gaudete" by El Duende, Julia Kent's cello rendition of "What Child Is This?," and "We Three Kings" performed by Rhea's Obsession featuring Athan Maroulis.

True, this CD is put out by gothic and darkwave artists (under the renowned Projekt label), but that does not, by any means, imply that only "goths" will enjoy this album. There is definitely something for everyone on this compilation. If you are looking for some holiday music that is somewhat "off-the-beaten-path," so to speak, or even if you just want something a little different to place in your CD player this Christmas, then you NEED to buy this CD. You will not be dissapointed. Also, try to pick up volumes 1 and 3 as well! If you are like me and enjoy the creepier, darker aspects of everything, then you should definitely invest in Volume 1, A Dark Noel, in addition to this album.

Where "A Dark Noel", was like an eerie, empty church, the second release "A Winters Tale", initially seems to be the polar-opposite of its predecessor. It is presented on crisp white paper and silver ink, with an angelic child sporting a halo and wings. When listening to this, despite being in the Southern hemisphere, I can imagine a fresh fall of sparkling snow lying outside the window, in a typical northern European winter landscape.

The disk opens with El Duende's Oscar Herrera (the same vocalist behind Black Tape for a Blue Girl) performing a 16th century hymn "Gaudete, Gaudete".

One of my favourite bands, Rhea's Obsession, appear twice: firstly with "We Three Kings" (which interesting does not become stagnant despite Lycia's version on the previous disk) and a more percussive Huron Indian carol with the trademark Indo-Bulgarian style singing of Sue Hutton. Unto Ashes rendition of the traditional Shaker hymn "Lord of the Dance" also rates highly in my book. Lycia (again!) deliver a broken music-box rendition of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" with the doll-like voice of Tara Vanflower.

London After Midnight's "The Christmas Song" is an original and is actually rather nice (it also appears on their Oddities album) in a guitar-spangle shimmery way.

I suspect there was a subtle irony intended in Siddal choosing to perform a wispy ethereal "In The Bleak Midwinter", penned by none other than 19th century poet, Christina Rossetti; sister-in-law of the original Siddal - Elizabeth, of Pre-Raphealite fame.

A good companion piece to the original, but not as dark.