CD Review: Avasa & Matthew Love's 'The Road'

Avasa & Matthew Love
The Road
White Swan Records

Husband and wife-duo, Avasa & Matthew Love, present us with a gracious album of inner peace led by catchy pop hooks and spacious thematic constructions. There is a contemporary vein running throughout the album, but there also is a historical foundation with yoga-inspired melodies and vocalizations that transcend time, space, and genre categorization. Avasa & Matthew lead vocals, guitar, and harmonium, while others perform on tabla, esraj, flute, violin, mandolin, bass, and percussion. There are supporting vocals by a number of artists, including Jason Mraz. As with many other White Swan Recordings, The Road follows in a similar path to Deva Premal, Miten, Krishna Das, and Liquid Bloom. The symphonic choruses and sweet vocal lines are repeated in parts to add another layer of bliss and satisfaction come over any listener within earshot. The glorious vocals and catchy hooks will grab hold of any listener and never let go. Essentially, The Road is very, very good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Prem Joshua & Chintan's 'Kashi'

Prem Joshua & Chintan
Kashi
White Swan Records

Prem Joshua & Chintan bring us some tantric and Sanskrit-infused compositions from India's inner soul on their latest collaboration, Kashi. There are nine hit tracks with a little Indian psych funk, contemporary yoga rock, and electronic elements infused with a good dose of percussion, vocalizations, and new age/jazz connotations that are ripe with world music elements. The transcendental songs are majestic, euphoric, and meditative. Of course, the tabla, harmonium, and sitar are a part of the mix, but the electronic and contemporary elements are a bit more prevalent. The result is a global fusion that covers dub on "Tumhaari Maya;" dance on "Gayatri Ghetto;" and modern embellishments on "All Roads Lead To Om," "Ya Devi Sarva," and "Lingashtakam." The devotional tunes are rather lengthy between five and ten minutes long, which allows for some expressive and thought-provoking results. There is nothing really comparable to Kashi, but the apparently-defunct group, Nuklearte, from Italy, is relatively close. If you love the South Asian-inspired modern grooves of yoga, Hindi, and mantra-style music, then Kashi will satisfy your soul. Best enjoyed with your favorite cereal : ) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Euforquestra's 'Fire'

Euforquestra
Fire
Self-Release

Colorado-based Euforquestra bring us their fourth album, Fire, which infuses a bit of Afro-beat, dub, dance, and electronica wrapped around a funky, jazz-laden foundation. The funkadelic compositions are lively and boast a wealth of instrumental sounds, jazzy rhythms, and great vocals. The high-energy grooves and dance tunes are a world fusion masterpiece without any missteps. There are fourteen tracks in all. The groove-laden, "The Price Is Right," "Fire," and "Road Funk," showcases their ability to adapt to different sounds. However, everything is rooted in funk and smooth dance tunes with a lively keyboard element and deep percussion roots. The jazzy sounds cannot be ignored, too. At any rate, Euforquestra knows how to dance, inspire, and create moving tunes that will live on in our hearts (and feet). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Night Visions: Desert Dwellers Selected Remixes'

Various Artists
Night Visions: Desert Dwellers Selected Remixes
Black Swan Sounds

The multi-sonic sounds of Desert Dwellers' remixes with various artists in the field of contemporary electronica and yoga music. Artists such as Tarun, EarthRise SoundSystem, Kalya Scintilla, Girish, Kaya Project, Deva Premal, Deya Dova, and others, bring us a unique blend of trance-induced, dance-induced, and soul-infused and Bhakti-inspired ethno-electronic blends of shimmering kirtan melodies. The cohesive blend of contemporary melodies and instrumentation is rather futuristic, yet global. There are dance-friendly beats, as well as lounge-inspired tunes. Anyone with an interest in Black Swan Sounds, White Swan Records, and similar labels, will rejoice with the new music here. It is truly a yogic journey of epic proportions. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brenda McMorrow's 'Igniting The Beauty'

Brenda McMorrow
Igniting The Beauty
White Swan Records

Canada's Brenda McMorrow brings us a soul-stirring and deeply-introspective listening experience that combines ancient Sanskrit mantras, kirtan elements, and yoga pop aesthetics primarily with voice and guitar. The contemporary music is serene, inspirational, and meditative, while maintaining a soothing result that is both catchy and meaningful. Brenda incorporates keyboards, dotar, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, and assorted programming in the mix. The light and carefree vocal calisthenics and scintillating guitar structures are top-notch throughout. Brenda 'ignites' not only beauty, but creativity, as well. Unlock your inner lotus with Brenda McMorrow's latest soul-quenching wanderings on Igniting The Beauty. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: EarthRise SoundSystem's 'Rock Beats Paper'

EarthRise SoundSystem
Rock Beats Paper
Yoga Organix

EarthRise SoundSystem is David Schommer and Derek Beres' brainchild that includes a slew of talented guest artists that know how to create percussive, urban, and dance grooves incorporating world melodies and sounds. You will hear the music of Srikala, Davi Vieira, Lucy Woodward, Camille Armstrong, Ramin Sakurai, Shahar Mintz, Marti Nikko, Dave Eggar, Go-Ray, Renata Youngblood, and many others. The upbeat tracks include Rhodes, tabla, horns, cello, violins, sitar, guitars, mandolin, kora, timbau, dulcimer, drums, electronic arrangements, and others. This is not a one-sided album with only one kind of musical beat. Moreover, there are South American, Caribbean, South Asian, and American influences throughout. This is a percussive dreamscape with engaging vocals and instrumentation. Anyone seeking a truly global musical concoction will find it here on Rock Beats Paper. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: R. Michael Rhodes' 'Please Remember Me'

R. Michael Rhodes
Please Remember Me
Self-Release

R. Michael Rhodes is a Colorado-based singer and songwriter armed with a Southern voice and guitar in hand. The six-track album is only about twenty-minutes long, but the sounds emanate long after the tunes stop. The heartfelt, "Please Remember Me," is a classy, country song with a touch of folk and pop. "Special Place For Me" is more of a ballad than a folk or country song, but there are still these aforementioned elements that permeate the music. "A Little Bit Tighter" is a roots-driven folk song seemingly taken out of The Wallflowers' line-up with distinct B3 and rougher vocals. The dreamy, "Where Are You Now," is a soulful ballad with droning guitar sounds and ballad-esque vocal arrangements. "You'll Never Know" is a catchy folk song with both male and female vocals in a guitar-driven track. Please Remember Me does not plead for acceptance, nor is it egotistical. R. Michael Rhodes knows how to get your attention with every repeated listen. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Andy Palmer's 'Hazard Of The Die'

Andy Palmer
Hazard Of The Die
Self-Release

Coming out of Colorado, Andy Palmer presents us with an alt-folk-rock EP of quirky, edgy, bluesy, and poetic odes of human brilliance. The eight songs are diverse with a classy feel overall. For instance, the guitars reverberate on a few songs, which add a slight psychedelic tone to the songs. There are a few other instruments that add to the rootsy, folksy, and alternative-inspired tunes. The violin, harmonica, drums, and bass add to the repertoire. Andy's acrobatic vocals traverse high registers and throaty, low sounds--both of which are showcased on "The Monk." There are bluesy leanings on "Heart Of Colfax." There are slow guitar meanderings on "Broke Down In Bellevue." A hint of blues and jazz emanates from some of the tunes. The nostalgic, bluesy, Spanish-titled tune, "Hay Algo Muy Mal," contains rippling guitars, edgy percussion, and diverse vocalizations. Andy's rough vocals are appropriate throughout and are vocally similar to Xavier Rudd, The Devlins, Jace Everett, and Douglas September. The guitar stylings are similar to The Devlins and Jace Everett with limited rock arrangements overall. The mature vocals and quirky instrumental arrangements make for an interesting musical journey that is anything but boring. Andy is not lucky here; it's all talent. ~ Matthew Forss      

CD Review: Lisa Bell's 'The Italian Project'

Lisa Bell
The Italian Project
Self-Release

The Colorado-based blues-stress and alt-rock guitarist, Lisa Bell, brings us a thrilling set of blues, folk, and rock-influenced tunes on the latest release, The Italian Project. The heady opener, "Bring The Love," is an alt-rock anthem with bluesy ambiance and rootsy appeal. "Come My Way" is still alt-rock, but much more reduced in tone. The vocals are akin to Melissa Etheridge, but not as throaty or loud. "One Face, One Race" opens with a laid-back percussion set and a breezy--almost jazzy--set-up. "A Brighter Day" begins with a few guitar strums, light hand drum sounds, and heart-felt vocals amidst a jazzy melody with lively bass and piano. "From The Outside Looking In" opens with strings, piano, vocals, and percussion. The chorus is more classic and majestic than most other songs on the album. The tune is bluesy, classic rock, and roots music. Overall, the eleven tunes represent a mix of blues, jazz, alt-rock, roots, and classic pop with a mature element that signals an invaluable recording. Fans will find some endearing tunes that are not to be missed. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: DJ Drez' '4AM Plum Mood'

DJ Drez
4AM Plum Mood
Black Swan Sounds

DJ Drez creates a new world of atmospheric dub and downtempo delight. The music is rich with laid-back grooves, instrumental bliss, and dreamy sequences that are anything but hectic or chaotic. The smooth and slow tunes are perfect for an evening of relaxation. The trippy melodies are steeped in world music wanderings over the past several years. The ambient elements are at the forefront here. The exotic chill-out music is ideal for anyone interested in new age, space, atmospheric, quiet dub, and contemporary instrumental music with a bit of fusion thrown in. This is perfect for the lounge lizard in your family. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: David Newman & Krishna Venkatesh's 'Re-Bliss: Stars Revisited'

David Newman & Krishna Venkatesh
Re-Bliss: Stars Revisited
White Swan Records

David Newman, also known as Durga Das, is a talented kirtan chant artist from Philadelphia. Krishna Venkatesh is a New York-based composer, producer, yoga teacher, and former electronic band member for Think Tree. Relying on a mix of funk, jazz, and eclectic electronic music that is driven by the soul and an inner bliss, Krishna adds a variety of groovy textures to the new album. David adds vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion. The eight long tracks are inspirational, relaxing, and meditative with a steady melody and trip-hop/jazz-inspired embellishments. The contemporary compositions combine a bit of dance grooves, electronic music, and blissful adventures that are catchy and void of faults. The duo showcase what really can be done when two blissful hearts come together and play music with a deeply meditative groove. Now is the time to bliss yourself. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Bhakti Fest' [2-CD]

Various Artists
Bhakti Fest
White Swan Records

The new double-disc recording, Bhakti Fest, highlights some of the most memorable and Om-inspired kirtan tracks from the genre's biggest stars. You will hear Jai Uttal, David Newman, Sean Johnson, Sita, C.C. White, Govindas & Radha, Prema Hara, and The Mayapuris. There are trance-inducing tracks with repetitive mantras and soul-calming melodies. The driving melodies of simiplistic percussion, harmonium, some guitars, and angelic vocals make the music come to life. There are four tracks per disc, but the release as a whole is not too short at an hour-and-a-half. The melodies and rhythms have lasting effects for sure. The glorious vocals and immersive quality of the music is without a doubt one of the best kirtan releases of the year. If you want to add a little bliss in your life; then Bhakti Fest is the key. ~ Matthew Forss