Swara Mandala (2005) by Makyo
Like their previous records, Yakshini and Vismaya, Swara Mandala is not composed so much of songs as states of mind. Seven tracks deep, the shortest nears seven minutes, the longest, over eleven. There is a mastery of hypnotism here, more so than on prior works. Makyo has always created great songs, but not necessarily compiled onto one album. Swara Mandala is a mature step; there is no difference in approach, only execution. As always: long landscapes based on simple, catchy rhythms, using warm basslines and synths and clean percussion hits. Underneath a fluid drum beat will be escapades and serenades of fluctuating tones - bells, keyboards, chopped vocals, techy synths (perhaps recalling Gio's days as a guitarist in a punk band). This integration of philosophy and music, this application of Zen Buddhist ideas into modern folkloric sounds, is trademark to the Dakini label, with Makyo as their constant source of inspiration.
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