LONG WALK HOME - MUSIC FROM THE RABBIT-PROOF FENCE

This album stands on its own as a masterpiece; the fact that it is a sound track is incidental. There is so little to compare to. It is enormously rich in unfamiliar other-worldly and frightening sounds; there is so much, sonically, to comprehend. One should first listen to this album without reading the titles of the tracks; they distract from the wholeness of this highly original composition. The entire project is highly experimental, and very abstract while yet remaining cohesive. It is just as interesting as "The Last Temptation Of Christ", but entirely different. The native percussion performances hold the entire piece together and keep it on a accessible emotional level.

"Long Walk Home" speaks volumes about how much potential there is in experimental music that combines modern & native instruments, and natural sounds. Gabriel succeeds at generating a subdued but raw emotional atmosphere throughout. The only human voices here are those from native throat singing and an occasional contribution from Peter himself. Interacting purely emotionally, one senses the simple yet powerful theme via the different moods. In the beginning, there is an authentic sense of conflict and sadness. The music passes through many parts that express fear, struggle, and desperation; then finally relief and resolution, ending in a joyous celebration of voices.

Describing this music is very difficult. It would do little to attempt to discuss impressions of each track. Furthermore, attaching a label to the album accomplishes nothing because "Long Walk Home" crosses so many boundaries. There surely have been other attempts at such compositions, but none of them bear the imprint of Peter Gabriel's powerful perspective and taste. To borrow a common phrase to describe a very uncommon work of art: "This is only the tip of the iceberg" and PG is pointing the way. We have here a real milestone in Progressive music and it is exciting to think who among today's composers could follow this path with as much skill.

It has subsequently come to the attention of this reviewer that "Long Walk Home" was one of five Golden Globe Nominees in 2002 for Best Original Score: recognition well-deserved. However, whether the following is related directly or not, it is unfortunate that the original CD cover has been changed from a very artful Aboriginal-looking pattern to a photo of the two main characters clinging to each other during their ordeal walking along the Rabbit-Proof Fence. The point has been raised often enough, that the artwork on album covers has always been an important symbol that music lovers associate with the music. Although touching, the new cover seems to magnify the label "sound track", which probably gives the visual impression that this score is "incidental music" and thus perhaps less serious. Such categorization could not be further from the truth. Thanks to the Administrators of Prog Archives for keeping the original cover on display!