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The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
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RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
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| Return To Nature [OST] |
| By Original Soundtrack: Sleepwalker |
| Label: Amadea Records |
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| Return To Nature [OST] tracks |
1. Deep Innocence
2. Return To Nature
3. Calm Afternoon
4. Spirit Sands
5. All Hope Is Gone
6. Handful Of Wind
7. The Voice Of Nature
8. Distant Souvenirs
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The Death of Lake Regha a |
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One of the wonderful things about contemporary music is that it allows for so many crossover elements to add to the worth of the genre. In this case it is Sleepwalker's latest offering, Return to Nature, a soundtrack to a documentary. What makes it perfect is that all the "cues" or tracks on the album qualify for New Age, World and ethnic status on their own, making it perfect to listen to as you would say, Paul Schwartz or E. S. Posthumous or even Eric Harry with his foundation in cinematic scores.
Return to Nature is a film that depicts the vital nature of Lake Regha a in the north east corner of Algeria. It is the stopping place for countless species of birds and local wildlife that use the lake as a home or as a resting place on their migration paths. Lake Regha a is fast becoming the dumping ground for industrial wastes along its shores. The documentary is a simple tool to bring light upon the dangers of long term abuse that can only spell doom for the fauna and flora of the region. The film is a work of digital artist Rabie Rahou and the renowned Kawakib Production Company that specializes in documentaries.
The opening song Deep Innocence dramatizes the lake as it was in its beginning. The waters are nourishment for everything around it and wildlife thrives upon its shores. As the music unfolds I could imagine the sun smiling down on the waters as Sleepwalker's flute gives wing to the many birds that soar above the waters. The female vocal, by Denica Serafimova is primal in its depth.
The title track, Return to Nature is music of hope and dreams. The tune is a bit unsettling, as if I am witnessing a storm over the lake. The wind-driven whitecaps suggest the turmoil that is to come. The voice is a prayer in search of salvation.
Not far from the shore of the lake is the ever encroaching desert. Hot, barren and unforgiving. The song Spirit Sands is a reminder of how many footsteps it has taken from man's first arrival in the north to the present day to make peace with the desert. One must remember that the desert often forgets its bargain with man and causes many hardships. The khamsin is not way friendly.
The cue All Hope Is Gone turned out to be extremely sad. A ghost of the future perhaps? Lake Regha a is used by local farmers to irrigate fields and the dangers from pollution grow with every day. How sad it would be to see nothing growing, nothing thriving from this invaluable water source. Sleepwalker's rendition is a sobering piece that cast shadow and doubt on the future. The music with its echoing piano score is very moving.
The Voice of Nature is a plea for help. The violin issues a plaintive cry as the prayer raise to the heavens. It is the dying voice of an eco-system that, at this point, knows only doom. The sound is of fear, but in it all is a whisper of hope. Hope that man will realize how bleak the land will become if this precious gift is befouled.
The final cue, Distant Souvenirs, is a groove piece that suggest what should be done, must be done and soon. It takes courage to do the right thing and the beautiful voice of Abdelkader El Mignon on this song pleads just that. Otherwise, every rock, every grain of sand might become just a souvenir.
The great thing about this crossover album with eight full tracks is that it makes sense for many moods. The orchestral blending as well as the minimal vocals make it a perfect album with which to chill out, something for which Sleepwalker well known. It also reminds me that this fragile world is beset with danger everyday and as the custodians of the planet, it is our duty to take care of it. I certainly look forward to Sleepwalker's next work. |
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Rating: Very Good  |
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- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 7/27/2012 |
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