Supplanting earlier compilations as the definitive study of
Eyeless in Gaza's initial existence,
Voice ranges from the spiky post-punk extremes of "Kodak Ghosts Run Amok" to the winning pop-focused aims of "Between These Dreams." Assembled more or less in chronological order, it's a perfect snapshot of the duo's slow evolution toward a more delicate style and delivery, with nearly every song a highlight of the continuing Bates/Becker partnership. Hearing Bates' earlier, near-voice-shredding delivery and the stripped-down sounds of quiet drones, early synths and rhythm boxes from Becker makes for an instructive listen for those more familiar with the more immediately accessible and involved work of the
Rust Red September and
Back from the Rains days. The combination of strange, unearthly guitar from Bates and Becker's technology sometimes suggests what might have happened had
the Durutti Column and early
Depeche Mode collaborated. "Speech Rapid Fire" might just be the best synth-pop song few have ever heard, while "Invisibility" lets Bates display what happens when vocal passion doesn't equal "look at me" pretension. Hearing how the band tested out new arrangements, unusual melodies, and a persistent, low-key reinvention makes a great object lesson for how expanding ambitions can work rather than causing someone to artistically stumble. A complete lyric sheet shows well how Bates' atypical lyric approach, many times avoiding rhymes, reads as well as it sounds -- a rarity in music. A thorough discography, up to date as of the disc's 1993 appearance, and some archival photos complete the overall package, making
Voice the best entry point for those new to the band. Hardcore fans won't need it per se as there are no rarities, but it's a well put together collection for those without CD burners to make their own best-of disc. ~ Ned Raggett