Genre/Influences: Ritual, dark-ambient, experimental.
Background/Info: French brothers Frédéric and Olivier Charlot are active for more than 10 years now under the Maninkari moniker. They released multiple albums and got in touch with Polish label Zoharum, which previously re-released one of their works. The album “L’Océan Rêve Dans Sa Loisiveté” was originally released in 2014 on Three:Four Records. This opus is the follow-up featuring 9 untitled pieces.
Content: This is a fascinating listening revealing ritual drums mixed with authentic instruments. The authenticity is the main characteristic of this formation, which is using multiple instruments such as viola, cello, cimbalom, zurna, santoor, marimba ao, but still synths. Some of the songs remind a little bit to Dead Can Dance and Rajna for the mystic and somewhat Eastern-like atmospheres. Other cuts are more into experimentalism and minimal electronic treatments.
+ + + : Aside of the ritual aspect of the work, Maninkari stands for emotion. That’s precisely what the magic and authentic sound of viola and cello bring to the music. It also creates a part of mystery, which is recovering this work with a graceful layer. The use of authentic instruments also is something really special and that much more poignant than synths. There are several brilliant songs featured on this release and I especially want to commend the great final track.
– – – : Some cuts are more experimental-like, which resulted from the improvisation. That’s the single element, which isn’t always convincing me. It also is a pity the tracks are once more untitled.
Conclusion: I have to admit I wasn’t that familiar with Maninkari, but this new opus is a delicious and artistic piece of music. I like the authenticity of the work.
Best songs: “Untitled 9”, “Untitled 6”, “Untitled 1”, “Untitled 2”.
Rate: (8).
Artist: http://maninkari.fr / www.facebook.com/Maninkari-599436470187048
Label: www.zoharum.com / www.facebook.com/zoharum
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