Greg Fenton reviews Visions of Light – The Mandala Vortex – NuNorthern Soul
If you’re not already aware of Simon Sheldon’s intriguing label, Freebooter Lounge, and its diverse selection of sounds, moods, and tempos, then I would hastily recommend your acquaintance. In the meantime, this feature-length collection of numbers, produced by Sheldon alongside label mates Muzka and Dan Dub Lounge, explores many of those same guiding principles through the depth of emotional meaning as a smouldering blend of artistic impulses resonates across The Mandala Vortex.
The opening sequence of Breathe is quite simply stunning, running riot with heartstrings and imaginations of sunny adventures. Again, the fusion of detail and influences criss-crosses expectations, conjuring up something altogether more mysterious and rewarding as the voices caress the soul while jazz-infected guitar strums with six strings of reassuring delight. That heady ambience is much in evidence on the series of contrasts informing Clearwater, while joyous West Coast vibes cruise throughout the proceeding Daytime.
Echoes Of Time drifts into wisdom as a hot breath of saxophone captures the racing, fleeting moments on this rather timeless piece of effortless music. Sands, on the other hand, adds an Acid twang to its strutting grooves, leaving the warmth of the elevating, heroic Stages to complete this beautifully resonating listen throughout time, space and the intrinsic value of place.
Release: July 7
Download/Stream on Bandcamp
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NuNorthern Soul
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