The intro track ‘Agra’ sets quite a Sanskrit tone leading into some stunning vocals by lead singer Felicity Williams. Tracks such as ‘The Long Dream’, ‘Infinite Open’, ‘Raudra’, and ‘Petal (The Space Between)’ highlight the dynamic range of Felicity’s vocals, with a great feature vocalist on ‘Raudra’ that brings the classical Indian component into this album.

The captivating use of electric guitar with the tabla is one example of how this album experiments with a handful of instruments that one would hear from a variety of different genres. The concurrent usage of vocals and soprano saxophone is impressive, but tends to become stale throughout the album. It is interesting to see the growing presence of the use of the piano in later tracks in this album.

Overall, this album is a flavorful mix of Indian jazz and contemporary with a hint of electronic influence. Although the vocal delivery had a dynamic range, it would have been interesting to hear the vocals experimented with in different ways; running on their own harmony, rather than (mostly) supplementing the lead instruments. I did enjoy the bit about consciousness and peace in the closing track of this album ‘Petal (Ephemerata)’. As I was listening to this album, I imagined a collectivist-mindset where we are all one; life and death are a constant cycle, and this album was the birth and death; opening and closing of the petals of a flower.

Favorite Track(s): Agra, The Long Dream, Petal (Ephemerata)
Least Favorite Track(s): Banda Aceh
7.5/10

By Showering Thoughts
Jun 6, 2016