Inspired by Jain
philosophy, Will Z.'s new album is one to immerse yourself in. A
meditative spiritual journey unlike anything else you'll hear all
year.
He may have the last
name in the phone book but who is Will Z.? The answer is he's a
singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist who first came to
prominence as a member of Cosmic Trip Machine. His solo output has
all had a similarly exploratory psychedelic bent, be it dark rock,
folk or psych-pop. More recently his involvement with The Book Of
Am project and work with Gong main man Daevid Allen (RIP), has
lead him towards music of a more introspective, meditative nature.
His latest outing is New Start, a serious though highly
enjoyable and rewarding work inspired by Jain philosophy.
The album length
release is broken down into six pieces, with each track based around
a simple repeated musical phrase or motif which is then added to and
embellished. With an emphasis on spirituality, philosophy and self
improvement, the results are as meditative as the mandala on the
record's sleeve. As the title infers there's something cleansing
about this music, encouraging a dumping of previous methods and
baggage, and replacing with a fresh approach, blank slate or
beginner's mind.
Jain Devotion (Parts I
– III) starts with a swampy, dense sound reminiscent of being in
the deep rainforest. Eventually some electronic sound claw through
the sonic swamp - morse, radar, and radio waves merging to find a
harmonious drone. From this a slow mantra-like song builds, implying
the beginning of a journey. And indeed it is, over the course of the
album we're treated a delicious array of textures and musical
pairings. From sitar and flute, oud and mellotron, to more familiar
electric piano and bass. The overall effect is hypnotic, entrancing
and nourishing. And best listened to in one devotional sitting. Turn
off your phone, relax and float downstream indeed!
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from on Will Z.
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on Facebook.
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Dodo Records website.
