Reviewed by Samantha Camp
Escapism is part of human identity. We dive nose deep into science fiction novels that take us to another dimension and watch movies set in space with colors and scenes from another world. We listen to music that makes our imaginations run wild through wars, through wildflower fields and mystical forests with creatures unknown to this Earth. If you’re looking for another artist to add to your soundtrack to another world, Ramakahandra is the artist for you.
Ramakahandra dropped their self-titled debut album June 19th, and it is pure, abstract jazz-gold. The Denver based four-piece consists of harpist and vocalist Annastezhaa, bassist Clato, Ness on synth and drummer Nobadee. Their genre can best be described as sonic jazz with a hint of cosmic flare taking listeners on a journey to the multiverse with alluring drums and enchanting harp playing. You would expect to find their music as the soundtrack to a film set on a planet filled with purple-tinted grass and a horizon packed with familiar planets and constellations.
“E.T. (Extended Technique)” is the first track and it is very appropriate for the other-worldly introduction to the album. The song’s slow start is embedded with chimes, an electric keyboard, and sound effects that give the listener a nostalgic feel. A steady drumbeat moves the song forward.The harp fills the space with a dreamy melody. A bass joins later in the song to give the track a funky vibe, accompanying the harp and the drums to seal in the dreamy aura they have created.
“Andromeda Soup Dumpling” begins with fast harp playing and faster jazz style drumming. Being the first song with lyrics, we are introduced to the haunting vocals by harpist Annastezhaa. This dreamy track is a lovely introduction to the band’s musicality.
The third track of the record “Kujia” is a fan (and personal) favorite amassing over 4,000 streams on Spotify. The track starts with trippy audio and moves into a fast-paced jam with a driving rhythm. The harp accompanies the bass and the quick drumming with high notes and soft tones.
“Romin Ramen Shamen” begins with a pulsing electronic sound similar to that of starting up a video game console. The groovy bass and drums welcome the harp and lyrics to the mix a little later into the song. A dreamy vocal reverb in the middle of the song jazzes the track up and keeps the listener’s interest throughout the song.
The second to last song “March of the Ents” is a dreamy song similar to the others on the track. The song marries the haunting lyrics, bass and drum line, harp playing that we have seen throughout the album.
The final song “Haku” is a softer lullaby with a simpler melody but is just as dreamy as the rest of the album. The 11- minute song is truly a journey through the senses with dreamy bass lines, a high strung harp and jazzy drums in the background.
Check out Ramakahandra’s debut album on Spotify and Bandcamp and be sure to follow their Instagram, Facebook and Youtube pages too.
