Ethnoscapes
Compilation Ethnoscapes 2011
ASURA 2. Astral Visions STEFAN TORTO 3. Creating Destiny CABEIRI 4. Looming EPHEMERAL MISTS 5. Flying Carpet ELEA 6. Eternity & Instants ASTROPILOT 7. Persian Shield EPHEMERAL MISTS 8. Reze ASURA 9. Nihavend ASTROPILOT 10. Airfia KLIMENT 11. Blue Hole ALWOODS |
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Recently, completely by accident (as it probably happens most of the time) I have come across a compilation released by Atmospheric Records. Although the name of this label does not say too much neither to me nor to anyone else probably, the artists who have created this album, certainly do not remain anonymous. Who has not heard of such aliases as: Asura, Elea, Astropilot, Alwoods or Cabeiri? Well, whatever you would write here, these nicknames speak for themselves – creme de la creme.
In the beginning, Asura captivates us with his ambient intro. This time, not quite in his characteristic, so recognizable style, but certainly not worse than usual. FRONTIERS soothing seems to open the first chapter of a poem entitled ETHNOSCAPES. Spatially, deeply, alluring, emotionally, but all to which Charles Farewell managed to accustom us, we find in that prologue mentioned before. ASTRAL VISIONS performed by a Greek artist, Stefan Torto are maintained in a similar, a little bit 'dormant’ climate, which however spins, and 'wakes up’ with every intervening minute. The track lasting less than seven minutes leaves a slight deficiency, mainly due to its premature end. Cabeiri gave a better understanding through INNER THOUGHTS, the debut album released by Altar Records. Rhythmic, often referred to as 'morning psybient’ coincided with my taste very much. In the case of CREATING DESTINY it is not different and there is no way to skip that track, for me it is a decisive favourite of this compilation. LOOMING, that is Brett Branning in his solo project, Ephemeral Mists once again does not hide his fascination with the music of the Far East, of which of course he gives a substantial proof in his tracks. Some oriental vocals alternate with a mystical, Eastern-sounding melody and very aptly strike my taste. Great job, Mr Brett! The sequence track, for which Elea is responsible in collaboration with Bahramji, is maintained in the similar climate – FLYING CARPET. Maybe a little more rhythmic track, with a more lively pace, but still oscillating among some oriental climates, which you can really like. I am tempted to say that it is difficult for me to imagine that it could be otherwise. The magic. ETERNITY AND INSTANTS, that is a master, Astropilot in an offensive. The artist coming from Siberia, young, talented, versatile, inspired by such classics as: FSOL and The Orb, related to Avatar Records labels, and more recently Altar Records. About Dmitriy Red’ko you can write indefinitely, but to understand why it is written about him in this manner, first you must listen to his work. Probably there is nothing more to be written, because Astropilot is a class in itself. PERSIAN SHIELD – another episode in the series of 'let us relive it’ and again we can hear Ephemeral Mists in this compilation. If I were to compare the two tracks which are presented in ETHNOSCAPES, the latter is definitely worse, it seems to be less carefully polished, worked out and a rate reminding me a clatter, which gives a speeding train, somehow does not quite convince me. It is no fire in it. Fortunately, a re-emergence of Asura and the track REZE breaks this streak. It was Charles, who we love, showing us exactly for what we love him. The sensational, thrilling track that you can listen to using a 'repeat’ function (and additionally this hypnotic vocal!). NIHAVEND and again there is Astropilot who does not disappoint us. Paradoxically, for some time I have been trying unsuccessfully to find a weaker track in his performance, but perhaps I will have to wait a little bit for this kind of track, because certainly in this compilation I will not experience it. AIRFIA – I raise the initial associations with a country located high in the Himalayas. I like this kind of ethnic insertions, which are mixed with a nice, deep beat – Kliment once again proves that he deserves a place among the finest artists of the world of psychedelic downtempo. At the end, BLUE HOLE performed by Alwoods who despite the last position closing the compilation, do not remain behind their predecessors.
The compilation impresses even the most fastidious, who always turn their nose. A great selection of tracks, the mastering by guru of this genre, Vincent Villuis (Aes Dana), no mawkish, unnecessary supplements – what more could you want? For me this is certainly one of the best compilations released in 2011.
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8.5 / 10
Marion