Ashram - Shining Silver Skies
Equilibrium Music - 21st May 2006
By Paul Raw Nerve
The basic nucleus of Italian 3 piece Ashram has existed since 1997, and this, their second album is neatly and artistically minimally packaged. Musically it suits such an exterior perfectly, with the 3 main men playing piano, violin and one handling vocals. There are also 2 session musicians on piano and cello, so as you see, percussively rhythmless, not metallic at all, and in its basic form, this is classical music with sparse, light vocals as the icing.
I have to say some parts of me are unconvinced, but the rest find this quite invigorating and different. Occasional moments reveal this to be a tad bland and lifeless, but then others have me sat up and enjoying the soothing, distinct, subtle and impassioned notation. 'Elizabeth' stands out as choice track for me, having more gusto and punch with notes dancing all over from the violin, and nice harmonies added by the piano. Also, the magnificent 'Tango Para Mi Padre Y Marialuna' has more distinct melodies to grab onto than the rest.
Well played work though, and maybe if this caught me on another day, or in a different scenario it would fair better.
5.5/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Official Ashram Website
Official Equilibrium Music Website
Equilibrium Music - 21st May 2006
By Paul Raw Nerve
The basic nucleus of Italian 3 piece Ashram has existed since 1997, and this, their second album is neatly and artistically minimally packaged. Musically it suits such an exterior perfectly, with the 3 main men playing piano, violin and one handling vocals. There are also 2 session musicians on piano and cello, so as you see, percussively rhythmless, not metallic at all, and in its basic form, this is classical music with sparse, light vocals as the icing.
I have to say some parts of me are unconvinced, but the rest find this quite invigorating and different. Occasional moments reveal this to be a tad bland and lifeless, but then others have me sat up and enjoying the soothing, distinct, subtle and impassioned notation. 'Elizabeth' stands out as choice track for me, having more gusto and punch with notes dancing all over from the violin, and nice harmonies added by the piano. Also, the magnificent 'Tango Para Mi Padre Y Marialuna' has more distinct melodies to grab onto than the rest.
Well played work though, and maybe if this caught me on another day, or in a different scenario it would fair better.
5.5/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Official Ashram Website
Official Equilibrium Music Website
