drone / ambient
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Last year, AmenRa's frontman Colin H. Van Eeckhout treated us to his awe-inspiring solo project, CHVE. He pleasantly surprised press and fans with his 'Rasa' album, a one-track drone masterpiece (read our review). After the release, CHVE took his hurdy-gurdy and his bodhran on the road to perform 'Rasa' on several stages. Yet, over time, the piece evolved, altered and at one point, is was ready to be recorded and released. This particular performance was something special. It was recorded by one man in one take in an old tram, amidst the busy Saturday city life of Ghent. I wish I'd been there to see this.
Musically, this release can easily be compared with the 'Rasa' album. The basic elements are similar, especially in the first half of the track. The music drives on these eerie hurdy-gurdy drones and features a number of chants. On the second half, the percussion appears, turning this whole thing into a meditative, ritual experience. Here we can reach a deeper insight on how the music of 'Rasa' has evolved during the many performances. There seems to be a bit more melody, an extra element to grasp on while you slip into a blissful trance Even more so, both releases are perfectly suited to play after one another without losing the beautiful and intense atmosphere.
If you have the previous CHVE release, you also need to get your hands on this one, that's for sure.
Serge
Musically, this release can easily be compared with the 'Rasa' album. The basic elements are similar, especially in the first half of the track. The music drives on these eerie hurdy-gurdy drones and features a number of chants. On the second half, the percussion appears, turning this whole thing into a meditative, ritual experience. Here we can reach a deeper insight on how the music of 'Rasa' has evolved during the many performances. There seems to be a bit more melody, an extra element to grasp on while you slip into a blissful trance Even more so, both releases are perfectly suited to play after one another without losing the beautiful and intense atmosphere.
If you have the previous CHVE release, you also need to get your hands on this one, that's for sure.
Serge