Search - Steve Roach, Michael Stearns, Ron Sunsing :: Kiva

View of the Kiva from post psychedelic perspective

Michael Rittenberry | 06/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not get the responses of some of the previous reviewers. Frankly, they just don't get it. The Kiva, of course, is the sacred architectural relic of the peyote ritual, but this music is inspired by the recognition that the New World pursuit of spiritual discovery through the use of ethnogenic botanicals involves more than one culture, more than one botanical, and is both archaic and modern. This is modern music for "analogueros". It is strong to the point where, sometimes, the emotion is almost painful. If you are familiar with Terrance McKenna, and find his point of view of value, then you should by all means hear this album--don't be put off by reviewers who have made the mistake that this is an interpretation of Native American culture--the word Kiva, in this context, is a metaphor--with as much significance as the word Patio might have for a Hispanic. They could have used a variety of other metaphors--heart cave--well of souls--serpents lair. Somebody needs to get over it."

The Spirit of the Jungle, The Spirit of the Arbor

Frank MacEowen | nomadic | 07/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a potent recording. Put it on earphones, turn it up loud, and buckle your seatbelt (or blast the speakers). Having participated in two of the particular ceremonies that this recording is DEDICATED TO and HONORS the spirit of, namely the Ayahuasca circle and the Wiwinyag Wacipi (traditional Sun Dance) I truly feel that this recording invokes the textural 'feel' of my own experiences. This is not a recording seeking to be a traditional "Native American" recording. Far, far from it. With Australian didjeridoo, a variety of wildlife from the Amazon, various bird-bone whistles, as well as Steve Roach's and Michael Stearns' dynamic soundworlds...this recording, punctuated with the authentic icaros, will carry you into psychic spaces, soul-places, where deep holographic perception occurs and timely insights are revealed without entheogens, though I assure you it is potent used in that expression. But, as is usually the case, with Steve's music...the music IS the medicine."

Among the top 10 sacred psychedelic CDs

Frank MacEowen | 09/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While certainly not most people's cup of tea, this is one of the most powerful pieces of sacred music ever recorded. This is late 20th century electro-acoustic music created by artists intimately familiar with the ancient plant medicine traditions of the Americas. While I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, for those interested in this kind of transcendental musical experience, I cannot recommend it highly enough."