Alchemy: An Index of Possibilities

by David Sylvian

Alchemy: An Index of Possibilities cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 14 December 1985
  • Label: Virgin
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Community rating: 3.83/5 from 5 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Initially released exclusively on cassette, this largely instrumental project captures the former Japan frontman collaborating with key experimental figures like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jon Hassell. 'Alchemy' utilizes early digital sampling and Fourth World aesthetics to construct a deeply hypnotic, meditative atmosphere blending natural field recordings with synthetic textures. The work is fundamentally transitional, acting as a quiet atmospheric bridge between his more structured vocal albums of the era.

Genres

Descriptors: rhythmic, atmospheric, instrumental, ambient, experimental, effects-laden, minimal, synthesizers, spacious

Tracklist

  1. Words With The Shaman Pt. 1 Ancient Evening
  2. Words With The Shaman Pt. 2 Incantation
  3. Words With The Shaman Pt. 3 Awakening (Songs From The Tree Tops)
  4. Preparations For A Journey
  5. Steel Cathedrals

Credits

  • Amanda Faulkner - artwork [cover]
  • Jon Hassell - composed by, trumpet
  • Ryuichi Sakamoto - composed by, piano, strings
  • Steve Jansen - composed by, drums, percussion, keyboards [additional]
  • Kenny Wheeler - flugelhorn
  • Percy Jones - fretless bass
  • Masami Tsuchiya - guitar [abstractions]
  • Robert Fripp - guitar [frippertronics]

More from David Sylvian: full discography