Kwalli
Kumara & Pete Ardron – Exalted
Orchid-Star head honcho Pete
Ardron cumulates a euphoric combination of classical, psychedelia,
ambience, Indian and Celtic flavours in his own productions and on re-mixes for the likes of Afro-Celt Sound System and Terra Nine. On
this occasion he has teamed up with Kwalli Kumara a singer, snake and
fire dancer and Kundalini instructor. Each track on the album is
based around an 11 minute mantra which can easily be applied to
Kundalini meditation. Now although this is a market the album is
aimed towards they're hoping it will also appeal to the fans of
Pete's music in general. So approaching this review in the latter
concept I'm looking for the appeal as a general global chill out
release.
The opening track 'Bliss (Rakhe
Rakhanhar)' combines finger cymbals layered over atmospheric synths
which is soon accompanied by the mantra (which is delivered in a
soothing and professional manner) and shortly after by the flutes
which to me add a Celtic feel to the piece. The meditative aspect of
the piece is obvious and although it's definitely not a dance number
it serves the purpose for general relaxation.
The following track 'Strength
(Gobinday Mukanday)' retains a fair few aspects of the opening number
but is a trifle more uplifting in both the vocal and music and with
the mantra is a touch reminiscent of George Harrison's use of the
Krishna mantra 'Govinda Jaya Jaya'.
Whilst 'Joy (Har Haray Hari
Wahe Guru)' employs the drums alongside the flutes and mantras
continuing to lift the mood higher again.. In contrast 'Courage
(Chattr Chakkr Varti) although retaining the drums has a more laid
back tribal feel to them and comes across as a prayer chant even more
so than the previous tracks.
As the title would suggest
'Energy (Adi Shakti)' reverts to the uplifting vibe once again with
an almost trance like feel to the piece in places, it's definitely
the most danceable number on the album so far. 'Abundance (Har)'
retains the upbeat momentum beginning with an aboriginal feel with a
dark underbelly that continues along with the short mantra and the
other sounds bubble up into an uplifting crescendo around it.
I would imagine this release
will be warmly received as an accompaniment in the Kundalini
meditation market and I don't see why fans of Pete's other projects
would be disappointed. Although, if the individual fan isn't
completely at home with the total relaxation numbers they might want
to skip through the tracks towards the end.
Reviewed by Woodzee
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