After three groundbreaking albums over the course of a decade, the internationally acclaimed electronica project Shpongle has returned from what fans feared was the end of the project when Nothing Lasts...but Nothing is Lo... more »st, their third album, was released. Not prepared to leave us hanging, electronic music pioneers Simon Posford and Raja Ram have continued to push the envelope and break even more boundaries to create yet another sonic masterpiece: the much-awaited fourth Shpongle album, Ineffable Mysteries from Shpongleland. There are languages here that Shpongle fans will know and love as much as their previous work, and yet there are some massive leaps forward in terms of production techniques, sonic trickery, structure, and direction compared to all of the previous outings to date. With influences drawn from anywhere from Steve Reich and Mike Oldfield to the Batman movies and beyond, this really is another over the top record in terms of production skills, tonal textures, and original ideas from Shpongle. It is rich in detail and emotion, in worldly and otherworldly samples and inspiration, and in harmonic and melodic construction. Shpongle continues to evolve and inspire, as their sold-out concerts worlwide have demonstrated. Unique in their sound, structure, and style, Shpongle is at the forefront of the music of our generation.« less
After three groundbreaking albums over the course of a decade, the internationally acclaimed electronica project Shpongle has returned from what fans feared was the end of the project when Nothing Lasts...but Nothing is Lost, their third album, was released. Not prepared to leave us hanging, electronic music pioneers Simon Posford and Raja Ram have continued to push the envelope and break even more boundaries to create yet another sonic masterpiece: the much-awaited fourth Shpongle album, Ineffable Mysteries from Shpongleland. There are languages here that Shpongle fans will know and love as much as their previous work, and yet there are some massive leaps forward in terms of production techniques, sonic trickery, structure, and direction compared to all of the previous outings to date. With influences drawn from anywhere from Steve Reich and Mike Oldfield to the Batman movies and beyond, this really is another over the top record in terms of production skills, tonal textures, and original ideas from Shpongle. It is rich in detail and emotion, in worldly and otherworldly samples and inspiration, and in harmonic and melodic construction. Shpongle continues to evolve and inspire, as their sold-out concerts worlwide have demonstrated. Unique in their sound, structure, and style, Shpongle is at the forefront of the music of our generation.
CD Reviews
Take my hand and float with me to Shpongleland!
Kort Kramer | South Florida, USA | 12/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thank goodness Simon Posford and Raja Ram bowed to the pressure and decided to make another album after their supposedly last outing, Nothing Lasts But Nothing Is Lost. While that third album with its series of short songs that all flowed together was a bit of a departure from their first two epics, 'Ineffable Mysteries From Shpongleland' (IMFS) is more of a return to form. It consists of eight tracks ranging in length from six and a half minutes to eleven and a half minutes. As longtime fan, this is the type of album I had been hoping for. The flow of NLANIL is still there but this is more of a chillout disc and the songs exist unto themselves, taking you on that cerebral journey that Shpongle does so well.
Those purchasing the physical album will be rewarded with a gorgeous booklet designed by album cover master Storm Thorgerson (Pink Floyd, Muse). Simon also does a play-by-play for each track, which I found particularly enlightening. It is truly amazing the journey the tracks took to become final songs. His stories make the listening to the album even more enjoyable.
The album itself is a sonic masterpiece. To be anything but that would have been unthinkable. The listener is most definitely rewarded by playing this loud on a quality sounds system or using good headphones. However, it works just as well, though differently, played softly while sipping some tea in a dark room. I'm really happy to say that Raja's flute playing is more prominent here than on the previous release. There are a plethora of sonic treats that reveal themselves upon repeat listens, but they enhance what is already good music, not just fill the space between beats.
1) Ineffable Mysteries: What a fun way to start up this trip! We are eased into the track, then the drums grab us, the guitar pulls us along, and the synth takes us away! You can hear what an influence Shpongle's trip to India had on them creatively, and this continues throughout the album. It's much more eastern sounding and less Latin based than their last two releases. And it is in 7/8! :) A great blend of elements that never ceases to offer up some new gem upon repeat listens. (9)
2) Shponglese Spoken Here: What!?! This is freaky stuff (even for Shpongle)! The glitchy, robo-dance intro you will either love or hate. It works for me, and at 1:30 into the track it ends and becomes a really groovy Sphongleriffic dub.
Good, but not by favorite - yet. (7.5)
3) Nothing Is Something Worth Doing: This track reminds me a lot of the more breezy stuff you might hear on a Mike Oldfield album. The neat metal drum and other elements cement it as a Shpongle track however. While enjoyable, it seems just slightly out of place, but perhaps is just the breather needed before the epic tracks to follow. (7)
4) Ineffable Mysteries: Okay we're deep into India now. This track really puts the listener there, yet at that more spiritual and surreal level that Shpongle has mastered. There is lot to explore here, and I suggest you do. (9.5)
5) I Am You: So much to love in this track, just experience all 11:36 minutes of it for yourself. It is the core of the album and pure Shpongle goodness. (10)
6) Invisible Man In A Fluorescent Suit: Originally intended to start off the album and initially conceived as a remix for fan favorite 'And The Day Turned To Night', how could this not be amazing? Answer - no freakin' way! One of my favorites from this outing. (9)
7) No Turn Un-Stoned: Great title and a lovely mellow track to follow 6, sang mostly by one of my favorite Shpongle vocal contributors, Michele Adamson. Reminiscent of 'Once Upon The Sea Of Blissful Awareness'. (8.5)
8) Walking Backwards Through The Cosmic Mirror: The final track announces itself with a reverberating boom. It didn't initially grab me but after a few listens I started to feel the soul in this track. The first one created for the album, I think it could have been better placed before 6; leaving No Turn Un-Stoned to close out the album. But it is what it is, and it is good. Raja's magic flute floats you on out... (7.5)
My final take? I've been listing to IMFS for almost a month and believe it is a solid addition to the Shpongle canon. Fans will find a lot to love here. I think Tales of the Inexpressible will always be my favorite of their albums, but this latest is certainly coming in a close second. It is a good place for newcomers to the wacky world of Shpongle to start, though I highly recommend getting all of the albums and listening to them in order to truly appreciate the aural journey that is Shpongle.
"
Shpongolese spoken here
Cory Poulin | Las Vegas, NV | 07/02/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is a very fine parity of convention and artistic expression that must be created to render an electronic composition unique, yet listenable. The artists known as Shpongle do not know of this balance nor do they care, and judging by the quality of their fourth album, neither should we. To prove how much Raja Ram and Simon Posford could care less about convention, the first track on 'Ineffable' is the most impressive and naturally flowing 7/8 signature I may have ever heard, never once feeling awkward or forced. The entire album shows astounding detail applied to every factor. Every texture is just as immensely complex as the next, yet never showing signs of insipidity. The percussion, even in moments of intentional tranquility, is always flowing and never giving the listener the instinct of a synthetic performance. Shpongle has transcended the need to be applied into any category. There is nothing else like this album or this artist and it should be experienced by all musical enthusiasts."
Magical, Spiritual, and Classically Psychedelic.
John W. Simmons III | Atlanta, GA USA | 05/19/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just saw Shpongle in Atlanta and they opened with "I am You." It is definitely one of the best songs ever by Shpongle, but so are all of their songs. Just have some fun, pop in the CD when you can relax with your friends and all of you will go on a journey into Shpongleland. It is a truly magical place, full of peace and intensity, highs and lows, etc, etc, etc. This album is the most "Goa" in my humble opinion, of their albums. Each respective album has more themes originating from India than the last. See them live if you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity."
Raja and Simon deliver again
go bo sox! | 03/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This latest (and presumably last) album from Shpongle is a mandatory buy for anybody who considers themselves a Shpongle fan. If Simon Posford and Raja Ram have made one album that absolutely cannot be missed, this is it. This is not something I say lightly, because I cherish every Shpongle album I own (which is all of them). But if I was forced to choose between giving up this album and relinquishing the rest of my collection, I believe I'd hold on to this singular masterpiece. With the genre of ambient/psy seemingly on a decline nowadays, in terms of both volume and quality, IMFS is a glimmer of hope. We're all lucky that Simon and Raja decided to get together once more to produce this piece of utter brilliance. It's a rare thing that I ever purchase an album on which I can safely say there isn't a single track which I find disappointing, and try as I might I can't find any faults anywhere within this one. Only about half of the music I own ever makes it onto my Zune, and this is one of only a handful of albums which I've transferred in full. I almost feel bad for saying this because I feel like on some level, I'm taking credit away from earlier genius, but this is in my opinion the best album in Shpongle's stellar collection."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1