steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
blankred.jpg (4669 bytes)
blankred.jpg (4669 bytes)
blankred.jpg (4669 bytes)
blankred.jpg (4669 bytes)
info opinion

Asura

"Lost Eden" CD

TV Matters

Genres: electro, chillout, World

Nov 29 - Dec 5 2004

If you can get over the fact that it sounds like a Pure Moods compilation, you should be able to find a lot to like on Asura's Lost Eden.  This is a chillout album, for sure - but it isn't lame or bland; Asura is remarkably talented at combining feet-moving electronica with ambient atmospherics.  Lost Eden takes sounds from many sources (at times it's Jarre-esque, at other times it sounds like it's swiping effects from the Survivor theme song.)  While I can't shake the Pure Moods feeling, I can still enjoy what is otherwise a tight and professional selection of smooth electro.  Ethnic vocal melodies are the major focus on this album (Turkish, African, and Guinean voices are used), while the electronic elements work to adapt the sounds into a relaxed, soothing backdrop.  Only on the strangely charged "Incoming" does the formula change up a bit.  For the most part, however, this is a relaxed bit of "World music" infused chillout techno.

78%

Fun Fact: Asura's label, TV Matters, produces music specials for PBS - it was responsible for The Irish Tenors.

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 9 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2003]