xdementiaPost subject: Halo Manash – r.A.S.H.n.k.a-RA LP+DVD
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:22 pmHalo Manash – r.A.S.H.n.k.a-RA LP+DVD: http://www.helixes.org/halomanash/
Kaosthetik Konspiration: http://www.kaosthetik.com/
Overall Rating: A+
Composition: A+
Sounds: A+
Production Quality: A
Concept: A
Visuals: A
Packaging: A
This literally leaves me breathless, I feel like I could simply lay down and die after hearing/seeing r.A.S.H.n.k.a-RA, the latest full length from Halo Manash, delivered in the form of a beautiful gatefold LP sleeve with high-quality full color artwork accompanied with not only a DVD but a huge A2 full color poster as well.
First thing I'd like to tackle here is the the LP because to me this is the most important aspect of the release, what I'm going to spinning the most. It is hands down the deepest Halo Manash to date, as well as one of the most finely crafted ambient albums I have ever heard. One issue that Halo Manash has had in the past is the problem of stuffing too many great elements in a small amount of time making things seem a bit cluttered. With a new stripped down approach presented on r.A.S.H.n.k.a-RA they increase their effectiveness in expressing the meditative aspects of their work, and also the more emotional aspects as well.
Track 1 side A opens the album and is possibly my favorite track on here with a sparse metallic rhythm sounding as if metal bowls and rods were used as the source material. They continue in more or less the same rhythm throughout the entire piece but it's one that does not wear thin and is often accompanied by other rhythmic elements bleeding in along the sides. A slightly moving metallic harmonic drone quickly joins the rhythm. These are all very bright and metallic tones creating a clarity not often found in most dark ambient which usually makes so much use of pitching down elements into oblivion. As the piece progresses the drones become more engaging, morphing in frequency and amplitude and therefore changing it's sonority, but the greatest thing about these small changes is that it brings out different resonating tones that were happening in the rhythms to create an intense emotional atmosphere.
Track 2 side A has more of a tribal thing going on reminding me of a more organic Samadhi State-era Inade with galloping toms and screaming whispers. In track 3 the roles of the sounds switch with the toms becoming the more ethereal element and the drones and whispers taking the forefront. Simple compositional ideas like this are really what Halo Manash has been able to capture and use with startling effectiveness and is something of which I really enjoy.
Side B begins on a noisier old-school styled Halo Manash with an almost industrial track full of whirring drones and chugging rhythmical elements but still not abandoning the bending horns and other organic elements. Following this track is one that more reminds me of the first track on side A with sparse metallic percussion, somehow giving me a Tibetan vibe but this time much less rhythmical then before. The thing I really like about this track is that it strikes me as being somewhat improvisational with sounds culminating at strange places, certainly not on the “down beat.” The atmosphere is heightened with subdued chants and echoing screams that add a depth that will endure for many listens to come.
The third track takes more of the elements from track 1 Side A and track 2 Side B and slows things down even more to create a dark drifting moment that seems to continue into eternity in a good way. I love the way that this second half is more and more of a come down rather then working up to some sort of climax because this format really works for a ritualistic ambient work such as this.
As an added bonus comes a DVD that features a gorgeous rendering of Halo Manash recording and doing their ritual things accompanied with more sounds and music from these sessions. Although the bulk of these pieces are a little minimalist for my taste it still is a very meditative and engaging experience. There is a very small amount of cheese factor here though with the outfits and everything but because of the consistency of the material and atmosphere it can easily be overlooked. One of the most impressive aspects of the DVD is the editing and filming. The shots and color of everything is very succinct and given what little source material you can see they are dealing with it becomes downright impressive that I am kept in an entranced state for the duration of the disc.
The most impressive aspect of this release lies in the consistency, focus and execution of the vision which Halo Manash stays true to at every turn. Their slight change in compositional ideas from their previous releases make for a subtle evolution and engaging shift in their approach. This releases just oozes quality and is should be a mandatory addition to the collection of any fan of ambient music.
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