Monday, 14 December 2015

Kwalli Kumara & Pete Ardron 'Exalted' Review

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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