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Review by Bill Binkelman This is the third "reiki" inspired release from these two artists and it may be their best yet, if "best" is defined as music that instills a deep sense of peace, serenity, and warmth. It certainly stands toe-to-toe with the other two recordings (Reiki Healing Hands and Reiki Touch of Love) in every technical and artistic regard as well. Tyndall is a master at crafting synthesizer spacemusic that floats effortlessly along, carrying just a hint of mystery but with no underpinnings of darkness or shadow. His graceful undercurrents fit perfectly with Anuvida's "kiboe" (an electronic string instrument that sounds like a harp crossed with the Japanese koto, but with a shimmering characteristic uncommon to both of those instruments) which frequently carries the vaguely Asian lead melody. The various keyboard sounds include those which Tyndall fans will recognize from as far back as the artist's US debut on Lagoon (Hearts of Space), but he blends in subtle chorale effects, as well as tones and textures that will also be new to most fans' ears, so there is no need to fear that Reiki Essence is a retread of the past two similarly-themed releases. In fact, I found this CD to markedly different in nature, at times, from Reiki Healing Hands. It has a more flowing sound to it, more liquid, almost gently undulating at times. One of the more predominant keyboard sounds is a pleasant whistling tone and it melds perfectly with the plucked and gently strummed strings of Anuvida's kiboe. Obviously, if you have an aversion to anything remotely Japanese, you need to be forewarned that, at least in my opinion, Reiki Essence carries at least a subtle air of Asia in its virtual grooves. However, it could just as easily be considered a harp-like recording, with no world music flavor attributed to it, I suppose. There are seven tracks on the CD and, uncharacteristically for this kind of music (which is intended as a backdrop for body work), the tracks do not flow into one another, i.e. there are definite time cues. However, no one cut is so significantly distinct that it disrupts the overall flow of the recording as a whole. While the music can have a vague sense of rhythm (owing to Anuvida's tempo when he plays the kiboe), there are only trace moments when anything resembling a real "beat" emerges. Ironically, the selection "Gentle Flow" may be the most active track here, although that's an especially relative judgment. The closing song "Within a Rainbowed Sea" is particularly peaceful and minimal, almost like lowering oneself sonically into a featherbed and drifting into a deep slumber. In the background on this piece, the assorted tones and textures are (arguably) the most ambient in characteristic on the album. Fans of Liquid Mind, Llewellyn (his most low key recordings) and similar new age keyboard-based artists should enjoy Reiki Essence. I also highly recommend it to massage therapists, body workers, or those needing music to help them calm down due to stress. It's unobtrusive enough to play in the background without the listener becoming overtly aware of it, yet its soothing effect should cut through most "interference" if one is open to such a practice. Myself, I think it's bound to be one of my favorite recordings of 2005. |
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