Alchemy is remarkably straightforward in its approach and doesn’t cut any corners throughout its duration. Being limited to the relatively lo-fi cassette format didn’t exactly allow for Sylvian and co. to really let loose without compromising the limitations of cassette, hence the short duration of the album itself. Each of the three compositions all share a common vibe – meditative, concise and spacious, the organic sound of the pieces all lend itself greatly to the mood the songs were trying to establish. ”Words With The Shaman”, featuring the key members of Brilliant Trees, lay out a sonic palette that seamlessly weaves in and out of its three sections to create a piece very reminiscent of the second half of Brian Eno’s Before and After Science. ”Preparations for a Journey” strays from the tribality of its preceding track to create a quick and effective soundscape of sharp and gliding Frippian guitar amidst the faint murmurs of percussion and glimmering synthesizers. ”Steel Cathedrals” however, arrives broodingly and takes its sweet time in getting started. The increased use of synthesizers and subtle touches of piano alongside simmering guitar give away the presence of not only Ryuichi Sakamoto, but that of Robert Fripp as well – at this point, Sylvian practically had created a supergroup just for this track
