Nine Horses

Nine Horses. An experimental music project formed in 2005, Nine Horses is a collaborative venture primarily led by the English musician and former Japan frontman David Sylvian, his brother and frequent collaborator Steve Jansen, and the German electronic producer Burnt Friedman. The group emerged from sessions initially intended for Sylvian's solo work, evolving into a distinct entity that blends electronic textures with acoustic instrumentation and guest vocalists. Their output, characterized by its atmospheric depth and lyrical introspection, is released through Sylvian's own Samadhi Sound label and represents a significant chapter in post-millennium avant-pop.

History and formation

The project originated in the early 2000s from recording sessions for what was planned as David Sylvian's follow-up to his 1999 album Dead Bees on a Cake. During these sessions, which involved Steve Jansen and Burnt Friedman, the collaborative material developed a unique identity distinct from Sylvian's solo work. This led to the formal creation of Nine Horses, with the name symbolizing the collective effort of the core trio. Their debut work, the "Wonderful World" single, was released in 2005, serving as a precursor to their only full-length album. The project's activity has been intermittent, aligning with the members' individual schedules and other collaborations, such as Sylvian's work with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jansen's contributions to projects like Rain Tree Crow.

Musical style and influences

The music of Nine Horses is a sophisticated fusion of electronica, trip hop, and art pop, marked by intricate rhythmic structures and lush soundscapes. Burnt Friedman's expertise in complex, polyrhythmic programming, often drawing from dub and jazz traditions, provides a foundational layer. This is interwoven with Steve Jansen's nuanced percussion and David Sylvian's signature baritone vocals and compositional style, which carries the melancholic and atmospheric qualities of his work with Japan and his solo albums like Secrets of the Beehive. Influences range from the ambient works of Brian Eno to the electronic explorations of Can and the poetic lyricism of Scott Walker. Guest contributions, such as those from vocalist Stina Nordenstam on the album *Snow Borne Sorrow*, further expand the project's textural and emotional palette.

Discography

The primary release from Nine Horses is the 2005 album *Snow Borne Sorrow*, issued on the Samadhi Sound label. The album features the singles "Wonderful World" and "The Banality of Evil," the latter featuring a spoken-word contribution from artist Christian Boltanski. A subsequent EP, *Money for All*, was released in 2007, containing new material and remixes by artists including Toshimaru Nakamura. While no further albums have been released, individual tracks and remixes have appeared on various compilations, and the group's work remains a curated part of the Samadhi Sound catalogue. The recordings are noted for their high-quality production and cohesive, if succinct, artistic statement.

Members and personnel

The core membership consists of David Sylvian (vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming), Steve Jansen (drums, percussion, programming), and Burnt Friedman (programming, synthesizers). The project is distinguished by its collaborative nature, frequently featuring guest musicians. Notable contributors include Swedish singer Stina Nordenstam, trumpeter Arve Henriksen, and bassist Keith Lowe. The visual aesthetic associated with the project, including album artwork, has often been created by contemporary artists and photographers aligned with Sylvian's artistic vision, such as Chris Bigg, a longtime collaborator from the 4AD design era.

Reception and legacy

Upon release, *Snow Borne Sorrow* was met with critical acclaim from publications like The Guardian and Mojo, praised for its emotional depth and innovative blend of electronic and organic elements. While a commercially niche project, Nine Horses holds a respected place within the realms of art rock and experimental pop, seen as a vital and refined extension of David Sylvian's post-Japan explorations. The project influenced a wave of artists seeking to merge electronic production with song-based formalism and has been cited by contemporary acts within the Bedroom pop and Ambient pop scenes. Its legacy is that of a meticulously crafted, temporally contained collaboration that continues to discover new audiences through digital platforms and the enduring interest in Sylvian's body of work.

Category:English electronic music groups Category:Experimental music groups