SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ERASURE – WORLD BE GONE

Erasure
World Be Gone
Mute Records

Longevity is rare and fleeting in the music industry.  Certainly musicians’ work can be appreciated much later in time and long-standing collaborations amongst artists is rare. Erasure, the British duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, have continued their musical partnership from their first release of the 1985 single “Who Needs Love Like That”.  Back in the eighties, their work complimented the new wave dance scene, with Erasure giving us memorable pieces such as “A Little Respect” and “Victim of Love”.  Their catchy pop melodies and songs of love and love lost proved popular and if anything, a bit formulaic.

Now with their seventeenth release, World be Gone, three years since their last release, The Violet Flame, there are no real musical surprises here.  That is,  apart from Erasure’s lack of interest in getting us onto the dance floor this time around.   Bell’s vocals are strong as ever and Clarke’s compositions are approachable.

Unlike the past few studio albums which featured one or two strong dance tracks and then several unremarkable pieces, World Be Gone, contains a number of reflective melodic odes about the state of world affairs, such as on “Oh What a World” where Erasure warns us that “We will reap what we have sown”.  “Still Not Over” reminds all that although much has been gained with help and support for those affected by AIDS, there is still work to be done to bring true acceptance and respect for this community. In “Sweet Summer Loving”, singer Andy Bell remembers and gives tribute to his deceased partner.

Although we aren’t seeing a summer album filled with monster dance anthems, it is always good to see an old friend again, and we can appreciate the musical talent within.

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