David Sylvian

After influential New Romantic band Japan split up in 1982, lead singer and main songwriter David Sylvian began a rich and diverse solo career that included many fine albums and a slew of fascinating collaborations. Many consider his debut solo album, Brilliant Trees (1984) one of the finest albums of the 1980s. Others, including Discrepancy’s album reviewer, love Gone To Earth, on which Robert Fripp plays a major role. Both are outstanding albums of timeless beauty.

David Sylvian has collaborated with many notable musicians, including studio wizard Holger Czukay of German legends Can, experimental guitarist David Torn, and Japanese keyboard composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. There was even a one-time reunion of the original Japan line-up, released as Rain Tree Crow in 1991.

Although a downbeat melancholy regularly infuses Sylvian’s songs, the musician’s career has been one of restless invention and exploration, worthy of investigation by those who listen beyond the mainstream.

See also: Japan