music reviews

::: Lahka Muza ::: "Sen Ohraniceneho Zivota"

gothic-operatic-darkwave

I've been listening to this over and over again. A real gem. From the heart of Translyvania and Bohemia, Lahka Muza present their very grand and majestic incantations. This album is like a soundtrack to an ancient ritual that summons all the forces of nature to come and assist you in your battles. Ritualistic, minimal and spell-binding music, is overlaid with soaring and ethereal gothic, semi-operatic female vocals, sung in Slovakian.

The music conjures up images of secret tunnels to the middle of the earth, or perhaps, to the centre of your soul? A journey through a hell within, the exhaustion and despair, and to a resurrection of greater strength and wisdom. Fans of early Cranes will love this, as the minimal and brooding nature of the music is very similar in mood. However, the female vocals of Lahka Muza are strikingly different: full, mature, crooning, brooding and passionate, a far cry from the Cranes. The minimalistic bass-heavy music also reminds me of Laibach's theatrical albums "Krst Pod Triglavom" and "Macbeth"; old favourites of mine. If you're a fan of gothic-darkwave-ritualistic music, then you must hear this. Music that grabs you and takes you. 8 tracks span 37 minutes. Very highly recommended.

Available for 20 DM or $10 USA from Lahka Muza, 972 21, Nitrianske Sucany 57, Slovakia E-mail: [email protected],Web-site is at http://artist.music.sk/lahkamuza/