KORAI ÖRÖM (1995)

This is Korai Öröm's debut album, and a fine effort owing much to the organic textures of Brainticket and the more modern synths-and-samplers of Ozric Tentacles. These comparisons are valid, but the addition of unexpected instruments like brass, didgeridoo and jaws harp take them into the realm of ethnic-fusion veering through psych work-outs, via latin percussion to tribal-dance [think Baka Beyond]. It says something for the skill of the musicians that they can successfully combine elements from so many different disparate cultures and come up with a sound that is not only unique but entertaining too. Guitar, bass and drums form a familiar rock foundation for this mélange of sound, but surprisingly keyboards play a muted role.

Typically, the music employs slow atmospheric build-ups using ethereal flute and other ambient textures, leading to classic jams built on repetitive rock beats and delicate fills, though lacking the searing energy of bands like Hawkwind. Neither do the jams descend into endless wall-of-sound space-grooves as the traditional instruments are given space to breathe and flourish without ever becoming over-extended, while the power is often diffused by additional assorted percussion that accompanies many sequences.

The album abounds with exciting sounds and inventive ways of integrating them into a musical collage, yet ultimately it fails to be entirely satisfying, as if they have all these ideas but haven't quite worked out how they want to use them. Great for use as a backdrop for some other activity, but less stimulating as a listening experience than some of the band's later work. Partly, this can be attributed to lack of structure and vocals, and for me, is a common complaint with instrumental music of this kind.

Overall, an excellent album, but with few really stand-out moments to get the adrenalin flowiing, relying instead on atmosphere and subtlety to get its message across.

Even with the first album they try to confuse us because abandoning the song titles. They hold up this trademark until today by the way. This makes it more difficult to point out special tunes. Never mind - they have other trademarks too which are more comfortable by all means. So to say the hypnotic rhythms which have a native folk/world music background provided with a high proportion of tribal percussion work. And you will detect only voices - not vocals really - this is basically an instrumental album.

KORAI ÖRÖM is not repeating the music on every release (if you don't go forward - you go backwards). So most of the songs from this debut are initiated by an atmospheric intro for example before they invite you to dance. Track 4 and 6 are the exceptions totally captured by exotic instruments like jew harp and didgeridoo. Keyboard/synths are also playing an important role and the guitars warrant the psychedelic resp. spacey element. A trumpet appears here and there what even provides a jazzy avantgarde touch, for example on track 1 and 2 which both have the makings of a masterpiece - somewhat light-footed in a very happy mood.

This album is hardly comparable with other band's efforts because of the high world music component. Unfortunately they cannot hold the high standard of the first songs during the whole album. However - 3.5 stars, a good start by KORAI ÖRÖM even if it might be treated as a little bit monotonous by some listeners ... oh yes ... speaking about trademarks ...