Of all the multiple spin-offs spawned by Japan, it is the first solo album by the supposed band leader David Sylvian that is the one to treasure. 'Brilliant Trees' has a glorious, pastoral feel someone out of place for its date of creation in 1984. In some ways it predicts the jazz-rock template that Talk Talk made a success of in the late 80's. It is also a highly emotional album with 'Nostalgia', 'Weathered Wall' and the elegant title track all highly involving and subtly sumptuous pieces of music. Sylvian himself - helped by ex-Japan members as well an impressive roster including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay and Danny Thompson - is in fine fettle throughout; his voice which seemed rather affected on his past performances now oozes vulnerability. For the man once dubbed the most beautiful man in rock, here he proved that he had the talent to match.