CD Review: Opycham's 'new-age.om'

Opycham
new-age.om
Sketis Music

Opycham's latest release, new.age.om, was recorded in Tuva, which is spearheaded by drummer and percussionist, Rasputin (of Yat-Kha-fame). The meditative and monastic eight-track release celebrates various religions including Russian faiths, Buddhism, and Shamanism. The album contains a backdrop of various rain sounds, fire, birds, insects, and water-flows for a very earthy element. The pensive instrumentation is rather light and alternative and comprises the cello, djumbush (like a Turkish tanbur), guitar, and hand-percussion. The music is vocal, but very entrancing overall. The subtle inflections of earthy elements and hypnotic vocals make Opycham's latest release well-worth a listen. Fans of shamanic, alternative, new age, Russian folk, and European music will love it. It's a great way to unwind! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: 'Women We Are: Songs For The Awakening Of Women'

Various Artists

Women We Are: Songs For The Awakening Of Women

Shantianjali Music

Anjali's musical collaborations with Carlos Oliveira, Chandrakanthy Courtney, David Courtney, Didi Ananda Ragamaya, Kamala, Jacquelyn Battise, Nataraj, Partha Mukhopadhyay, Peter Sprague, and Wayne Wilkerson explore the music of kirtan. The songs are most aligned with folk music with female vocals on all tracks. The songs are sung in English, Hindi, and Spanish. The overall sound of Women We Are... certainly touch on Buddhist or Hindu principles, but the celebration of women, whether myth or non-fiction, is the forefront message. There are spoken parts in "Mora Mukta Bhumir Me Ye" and "Jacquelyn's Poem". The progressive overtones of "Whole Mother" is Anjali's motherhood ballad. The spiritual and organic songwriting elements are a staple of Women We Are... Anjali's musical arrangements touch on social issues related to homeschooling, organic food, nature, relationships, and societal ills. The global relevance of philosophical thought and social action are not forgotten on Women We Are... It is tough to not smile with gratitude while listening to the songs. This is a perfect album for folk activists, new age music, and kirtan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Deva's 'Mantras For Precarious Times'

Deva Premal

Mantras For Precarious Times

Prabhu Music

With a focus on mantras, Deva Premal shares the power of the Vedic scriptures by unleashing physical energies within the body by awakening the energy channels (nadis) within us all. There are 108 nadis that meet in the heart. As a result, each of the seven mantras are chanted 108 times. Besides Deva's soothing voice and tanpura playing, she is joined by Manose on Bansuri flute, Miten on voice, and Kamal on keyboard and bells. The relaxing sounds and moods are a perfect invitation for yoga sessions. Moreover, any kind of de-stressing should involve Deva's mantras. The toll of the bells, airy sounds of the flute, and the Sanskrit lyrics of Deva's inspirational mantras are ideal for any person seeking saneness. The length of the tracks at eight minutes provides just enough time to master the recitations. Anyone interested in New Age, yoga, Buddhist, or chant music will find Mantras For Precarious Times to be an enthralling and informative part of their daily routine. ~ Matthew Forss