Greg Fenton reviews Wave Arising – (The) Rooted Sky – Ransom Note Records
It would be fair to say that I only possess a passing knowledge of Spiral Tribe’s adventure including those of member Sebastian Vaughan’s part in it all, something I intend to rectify because it’s another part of the cultural jigsaw I find inherently interesting beyond the clique. There is that saying that seems to fit so well at times, Everything is connected. Wave Arising is also comprised of dancer and video maker Kynsie who provided vocals plus the resolutely powerful cover artwork for the project. Likewise, Rapoon (ex-member of Zoviet*France) has created impressive inner sleeve art.
What instinctively draws me to (The) Rooted Sky, apart from its ultra-cool title, is the exploratory nature of the music itself. Rooted in electronic discourse but also reveling in the process of soaking all sorts of organic influences. So much so that sounds speak forthrightly in terms touching upon Techno, Rock, Folk, and Minimal repetitions, the energised spectrum spills out across all directions of travel.
Some numbers caress the rhythm of movement while others such as the repeating motifs forming the wondrous Ronde Cinétique are quick-fire cascades of feverish atmospheres played in jolts. Much like the heavy ambiance generated by Subconscience, or the closing It Comes and Goes. In each case, it very much feels like there is a hyperreal depth of thought going into the making of these disparate pieces of illuminating, excellent music. Attention is in the detail.
However, there are also plenty of danceable attributes to dive into as well such as Monin Yiri and Grow With the Flow both of which stretch out the imagination alongside creative impulses to maximum, propulsive effect. The thing that also strikes your heart about this invigorating, intricately crafted album is the realisation that it doesn’t merely rely on past glories to excel but endeavors to reach toward the next chapter primed with musical flair and engagement. After all, isn’t that the point.
Release: April 26
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Ransom Note Records
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