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(One World Music)
As a label, One World continually keeps coming up with excellent artists, surreal music and an overall delight to listen to. Amanaska’s second album, ‘Circles’, is no difference to the above mentioned and exceeded all expectations. Recorded around the world (UK, USA, India and Australia) Simon Lewis combines elements of tribalesque spiritualism, rich vocal gentleness and groovy electronica. The result of the fusion is a sound that is both professional and deep; it has the moments of euphoric tranquility and ecstasies for the ears. Certainly a terrific effort for as second album after the debut of Panorama.
This down-tempo piece journeys into moody depictions of life’s small tragedies and nostalgia with ‘Falling Up’ and ‘Sleep’ which both contain a lovely, soothing female vocal. As the album progresses we are also treated to male vocals as well as numerous tracks that just let the power of electronic and organics sounds take us on short journeys into our own mind and feelings. The broken beat of ‘Circles’, the third track into the album is a sheer delight to listen to. Emotive and thought provoking vocals are accompanied by a brilliant percussive backbone that mold gracefully together. The Indian influence of the album is felt partially in ‘Make it Better’ and is the soul of ‘Bengal Bay Sunset’ and ‘Drift’. Listening to the latter, it reminded me a bit of listening to some sort of Shpongle track with its moody Indian spirit flying within it. ‘Border Crossing’ alternatively is a dreamers dream, flying high above the clouds and never wanting to return, a gorgeous simple bass throughout that just lets you release.
The power of the album comes with Amanaska’s ability to jump through moods and feelings ranging from the reflective to the vibrant and then back to the depths of personal inquisition. With varying sounds, beats, melodies and grooves, “Circles” is a nice collection of music that somehow leaves messages behind whist never ceasing to loose the listener through boredom. Artistically Amanaska has done brilliantly in this album painting a myriad of percussions, bass, flutes and swirling electronic sounds. There is exquisite layering of sounds from around the world and filtering it into a mid-down tempo formula that can make you sway, dream and fly whilst giving you a slight boosting bounce. The combination of Amanaska and One World, artist and label, has given both parties strength in a symbiotic type of way.
This is an eloquent and strong release from a talent which has demonstrated some of the potential they (he) are capable whilst the label has strengthened with yet another winner to their list of recent awesome releases. Circles is available through One World Music.
