CD Review: Various Artists - 'Yoga Lounge'

Various Artists

Yoga Lounge

White Swan Records

Ready for a magic yoga mat ride of danceable energy? Then direct your ears to White Swan Records' Yoga Lounge. This new compilation features a collection of twelve tracks and remixes of Deva Premal, Karsh Kale, Zeb, Adham Shaikh, Jai Uttal, Vishal Vaid, DJ Alsultany, Midival Punditz, Huun Huur Tu, and others. All tracks are compiled by DJ Alsultany. There are some more meditative moments on the album, but the majority of the music is more contemporary with modern arrangements and a mix of traditional instruments, too. A mix of dance, techno, electronica, and pop elements define Yoga Lounge. Of course, various ethnic components related to South Asia are present. The soundscapes are somewhat reminiscent of a suspense film soundtrack or score. At any rate, Yoga Lounge is cool enough for everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karsh Kale's 'Cinema'

Karsh Kale

Cinema

Six Degrees Records

The Indian-American musical influences collide on Karsh Kale's latest addition to the musical world unfold on Cinema. From the opener 'Island,' it doesn't take long for the Air or Tangerine Dream comparisons to come into view. The electronica, dub-step, trance, and dance-type musical concoctions are trademark compositions for Karsh. A host of guest vocalists lend their talents to the mix, including Denmark's Anne Rani, Vidhi Sharma, Shahid Siddiqui, Vishal Vaid, Papon, and Monica Dogra. The serene beginning to 'Cinema' bleeds into a cascade of rock riffs, electronic effects, and Indian vocals by Vidhi Sharma. The piano opens 'Avalanche' with Zero 7-like male vocals matching a downtempo guitar rhythm and light percussion. 'Turnpike' is more of a dance beat anthem with an electronic undertone and New Age progression. 'Supernova' is a dubbed-out, retro tune with all the dance rhythms one can handle. The pulsating beats and electronic accompaniment with flute and rock influences mark the sign of good song only Karsh would produce. The mix of lush rhythms, soaring vocals, dance beats, and Indian sensibilities signify an excellent achievement with Cinema. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Janaka Selekta

Janaka Selekta

Pushing Air

Chaiwalla's Boombox

Sri Lankan-native, Janaka Selekta, has become an important fixture in the world of Asian electronica in the San Francisco area and beyond. Janaka's world travels have shaped his electro-musicality by serving delicious breakbeats with nice additions of Bansuri flute, tabla, and sarangi. Furthermore, haunting male and female vocals add another layer of rich, sound textures. The Asian trip-hop musical concept has been explored by other artists with little in the way of an organic, engaging sound worth remembering. Janaka fills that void for world dub and electronica fans. Whether you call this Asian dub, electronic, world beat, downtempo, or trance, Janaka's music soars effortlessly into the outer reaches of our universe and back again, while pushing the limits on Pushing Air. Definitions aside, Pushing Air is perfect for the club, dorm, office, or party, but it will basically leave you breathless yearning for more 'air'. Don't worry, it's all in good fun. A remix by Karsh Kale is included. ~ Matthew Forss