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Indra - Signs (2005)

Posted By: Trancez
Indra - Signs (2005)

Indra - Signs (2005)
Electronica, Ambient, New Age | MP3 CBR 320k | 203 MB | no scans

I continue my journey of exploration through Indra's catalogue with what I think is his latest album 'Signs'. An ominous slow bass rhythm gets 'Atlas On Stage' off to an excellent brooding start. Little melodic Jarre type sequences / loops are added to it. More brooding melody is brought into play with the skilful use of soft melancholy pads. As I am growing to expect by now this is sheer class. Shimmering cosmic drones and occasional touches of piano provide quite a cosmic start to 'Saltimbanc'. As with the opener the feeling is quite mournful but this is countered nicely by the introduction of another quality sequence. Quite a contemporary rhythm is then brought into play along with Vangelis type melodies. It is certainly an intriguing combination of styles though the drums, which are bordering on dance (though not of the thud thud variety), might put off some traditionalists. We return to the cosmos and tender piano to finish.

Things become even more spaced out for the beginning of 'Ariel'. Another slow deep rhythm then comes in alongside reverberating sonic effects which slowly become more prominent in the mix. Moody stuff. The rhythm becomes lighter, almost jaunty, lifting the feel of the piece to one of laid-back contemplation but still with a wistful twist. 'The Bride is Happy' would probably win my prize for worst track title so far this year but it is a belter of a piece. The mood is certainly joyous as we bounce along on the back of a contemporary foot tapping rhythm (again bordering on dance) plus wonderfully melodic sequences and lead lines. 'Sheik's Dream' is equally as tuneful as the last number, again having something of a Jarre feel. This feeling of Frenchness seems to permeate the melody. It is as if we are sitting in a Parisian café watching passers by and taking in the general rhythm of a vibrant happening city. My favourite track on the album so far. 'Quick Movement' starts full of electronic winds out of which a superb sequence surges forward to which is added an almost Spyra-ish rhythm. My hands were beating out time on the table and feet moving to the groove. Sublime little melodies bounce over the top in blistering fashion. This would be a great track to play in the car whilst hurtling down the motorway. Simply wonderful!

We keep our foot right down to the metal with 'To Jenna'. It is another Jarrish one, a rapid bouncy sequence blasting forward right from the off. A deep rhythm adds to the excitement but we are only just starting as more wonderful sequences are deployed giving a lovely melodic quality amongst all the pulsations. 'The Monk' brings us back down again as strange animal noises mix with solar winds. A delicate sequence lifts the piece and the mood as if the rays of dawn's first light shine through the mist. Simply beautiful. Another splashing sequence falls into formation with the first adding further interest but without spoiling the wonderful sensitive mood so carefully crafted from the first note. 'Next Future' starts with yet more windy sounds giving a rather apocalyptic feel. This is heightened still further as a mean drum line starts up. Images of helicopters, heavy with rockets and bristling with guns comes to mind as they slowly move across an already cratered landscape. A slightly Eastern flavoured melody then comes in and all the rhythm departs leaving dense swirling pads. The drums return in a different pattern but even more menacing and thunderous than before. It is as if opposing forces are mustering for action. This is visual in a similar way to some of Jim Kirkwood's work but with a much denser production style. Quite awesome. 'Telos' has just as ominous a start to its predecessor, full of dark drones. But this piece stays that way as we close the album in atmospheric moody fashion, a tender but rather sad sounding lead line providing just the right finishing touch.

Tracklist:

01. (00:05:21) Indra - Atlas on Stage
02. (00:05:06) Indra - Saltimbanc
03. (00:06:26) Indra - Ariel
04. (00:04:12) Indra - The Bride is Happy
05. (00:05:04) Indra - Sheikh's Dream
06. (00:08:08) Indra - Quick Movement
07. (00:04:35) Indra - To Jenna
08. (00:05:41) Indra - The Monk
09. (00:05:56) Indra - Next Future
10. (00:04:21) Indra - Telos