Dakota Suite & Quentin Sirjacq – Wintersong – Album Review by Killian Laher

Dakota Suite have had quite a journey over the last 20 years and numerous albums. From their beginnings playing downcast guitar-based music, to what they are now, a banner for a broad range of music styles that includes jazz, classical and also experimental work with Japanese band Vampillia a few months ago. This album is a live session performed by Chris Hooson with pianist Quentin Sirjacq and encompasses songs from throughout their extensive back catalogue. Older material such as Close Enough To Tears and How Safe We Must Seem fare particularly well recast in this stripped down format. Sirjacq’s playing conveys considerable regret on many of the tracks, especially All That I Can Hold Near.

There’s very little cheer on this album, which comes close at times to wallowing, but mostly this is blissful misery. Hold it close.

Track List:

1. Be My Love
2. Close Enough To Tears
3. All That I Can Hold Near
4. This Is My Way of Saying That I Am Sorry
5. Wintersong
6. How Safe We Must Seem
7. The Lepers Companion
8. A Comfortable Lie
9. Last Flare From A Desperate Shipwreck
10. In The Stillness of This Night
11. To Make You Whole Again

Wintersong: