A MEDITATION MASS

Yatha Sidhra is a kraut band around the Fichter brothers who had been playing under a different name (Brontosaurus) for some years but changed name to something more appropriate when their style changed to a mellowed out sort of pastoral kraut.

The album is split into 4 parts of which the dreamy pastoral psych of part 1 is certainly the most excellent, ethnic percussion, flutes, moog and hazy vocals form a perfect meditative mood. Part 2 introduces a change of pace with a uplifting jazzy swing. Part 3 is a rocking jam, similar to Gila at first and then switching to Guru Guru when they build up the speed and rockabilly levels. Part 4 returns to the pastoral setting of the opening piece.

'A Meditation Mass' is a harmonious and peaceful album that stands a bit apart from the usually noisy and abrasive kraut sound. Even the rocking bits remain very civilized and thoughtful. Not a full-blown 4 stars for me as I remain slightly underwhelmed at the end. This should have a certain appeal to fans of Popol Vuh, pastoral symphonic prog as well as Gila or ART.