Whole Life Magazine

December / January 2016

Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/759264

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 34 of 43

T aking a cue from Beyoncé, San Francisco electronica mastermind Scott Hansen, aka Tycho, recently released his fourth album completely out of the blue. Epoch is a welcome gift, and not just for hardcore fans who've followed Tycho since its inception in the early 2000s. The 11 instrumental tracks tell their stories through propulsive synths and bass lines, moving from an uplifting beginning to a high-energy mid- section and closing with a thoughtful, mellow conclusion. One of the most fascinating aspects of the album is the song titles—with no lyrics, the music has to do all the talking. "Glider" indeed soars, while title-track "Epoch" is chaotic and thrilling, just like our current world. Hansen's musicianship remains impressive, especially his guitar skills, so it's disappointing that he hasn't completely stepped out of his comfort zone; more instruments and experimentation on future albums would be appreciated. Still, like earlier Tycho albums, Epoch pairs well with activities like jogging and driving; the music allows the listener to either simply soak up the ambient sounds or let their mind wander to all the words in their head. (Ghostly International) — Neal Broverman Epoch MUSIC art & soul L ooking for Tibetan-infl uenced music that won't put you to sleep? Lee Mirabai Harrington's debut album, Beyond the Beyond: A Mantra Music Experience, certainly delivers that, offering eight tunes that stir the soul and put a skip in your step. A respected fi gure in the chant music scene, Harrington's back- ground in gospel and rock, as well as a devotion to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, greatly infl uences the eight tunes on Beyond. "Shiva Shakti (Lord of the Disco Dance)" is a disco-fl avored foot-stomper, while "Om Namah Shivaya (Holder of the Moon)" is a mini-religious experience. Beyond's quieter moments are just as good, with "Jai Ma" serving as a sweet lul- laby that could put the crankiest baby to sleep. An experienced yogi, Harrington incorporates meditative chants into the album, providing a perfect soundtrack to stretching and downward dogs. The songs are all extremely long and twisty though—with many speeding up and slowing back down within their 10+ minutes—so it's a good idea to give the tunes a listen before queuing them up for your Kundalini class. Whether she's softly humming or unleashing her considerable voice, Harrington is a thrill to listen to; much credit goes to her and her co-producers, Gaura Vani and Anthony Molina, for incorporating real Tibetan monks and gospel singers to the sounds. All in all, an enthralling debut. (Spirit Voyage Records) — NB Lee Mirabai Harrington Beyond the Beyond A Mantra Music Experience MUSIC Tycho december/january 2017 35

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Whole Life Magazine - December / January 2016