Search - Ekova :: Space Lullabies & Other Fantas

A Soul's Delight

Clarissa | Ontario, California | 04/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ekova's latest album (which really isn't all that new) is truly a pleasurable delight to the soul. With very interesting vocals by American singer Dierdre DuBois, Iranian percussionist Arach Khalatbari and Algerian guitar/lute player Mehdi Haddab, it is already clear to see just how diversified this fusioned modern/traditional world band really is. Their sound is actually very complicated to describe only because of its eclectic range. Never before have I enjoyed an international album (along with Afro Celt Sound System's Vol.3: Further In Time) as much as this. I think that I played this album at least 7 times through the first day of purchase. The whole merging of different cultural influences just really appeals to me and Ekova certainly succeeds in igniting my interests. From start to finish, Space Lullabies and Other Fantasmagore keeps you taut with anticipation of each approaching song. And if any of that sounds far-fetched or exaggerated than think again. You just know that you've got something special when you get all excited over a record. Musical highs just don't happen as often as they used to and Ekova is a true delight to the senses. They have already become one of my favorite groups and I plan on buying their other records very soon. They cram everything from organic dance beats to modern groove swirls with ancient instruments (lute, oud, electronic drum samples, ect, ect, ect...) with even some rock thrown in the mix (Idem Soit Done: 3:55); not to mention her sometimes inventive, made-up language). She does sing English once in a while but it's often hard to understand what tongue she's speaking at what given time. None of that really matters, however, for words will mean very little as you get swept away by the power of Dierdre's compelling vocals. Ekova even reworks Pentangle's "Cruel Sister" (10:19) with electronic programming. And alongside this talented trio of muscisians is producer Carmen Rizzo whose credits also include Prince, Seal, and Alanis Morissette. Even though I enjoy every blasted song here I thoroughly enjoy the short and funky "In The Kitchen" which actually contains real utensils such as pots and pans with sensual English lyrics through and through. My favorite song, however, would have to be "Aurora's Flight" (4:39) with its gently rocking North African percussion and "The Storm" with its tribal dance sequence. From the first song, "Steel Bird" (3:45), to the last more traditional song, "In The Garden" (4:19), this is one World Dance album you can't and must not live without. Ekova's sound is adventurous and unpredictable so stop reading this and buy it already! Highly recommended."

Wild and exotic

M. H. Bayliss | 09/22/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ekova's Heaven's Dust was one of my favorite CD's. This one is great in its own way. The music is hypnotic and shares many of the dreamy qualities of the first CD but with a more electronic feel. I'm an acoustic nut, so in some ways I thought the first CD was better, but this one is growing on me. It's a bit less accessible upon first listen, but once you really listen for a while, you'll love it if you like this kind of music. Unlike the first album, it doesn't have one great hit (like Starlight in Daarden), but many interesting and exotic songs. I should add that the cover art and design are beautiful and make me want to open and hold this CD. Ekova is certainly one of the most exciting group for this kind of exotic and wild sounding music!"

Rare flower

braincoat | Zürich | 11/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By chance, I saw a live performance of this band. It was quite a pleasant surprise. The program said 'psychedelic electro-funk', but the on stage energy and the exotic instrumentation made me use the label 'heavy ethno'. An eastern guitar, percussions, electronic additions and the clear and beautiful voice, singing folk and arabian melodies, create a special mixture, a rare flower. The singer's voice and her performance were very sexy, so I was caught immediately and bought the CD afterwards. It is a bit calmer (as usually), but the dreamy atmosphere keeps you listening for the whole hour. 'Space Lullabies' could satisfy any open-minded music lover, from the sensitive jazz listener to the stoned metal-head."