KARUNESH

Nirvana Café

Real Music (2002)

reviewed by Dene Bebbington

You know an album is going to be unabashedly new age with a title of Nirvana Cafe. In the liner notes the track listing is presented like a menu with the comment "All selections come with your choice of cosmic memory, bliss or inner peace" at the bottom of the "menu." Although I don't buy into a lot of new age notions, I do find that music in this genre can be pleasant and restful if it steers away from the overly sweet territory.

In the Nirvana Café there are ten specials (to use the liner note's word) to choose from, all five minutes something in length. The opening track, "Dazzled by the Light," is representative of the melodic and easygoing nature of the album; this should come as no surprise to those who have heard anything from the Real Music label. Karunesh skilfully mixes guitar (acoustic and electric), drums, piano, synths, and other effects to create pieces that are middle of the road but not dull. I should point out that guest musician Govi plays guitar on four of the tracks.

For me a lot of the new age genre works best as background music, and this is the case with Nirvana Café. However, this album is certainly strong and melodic enough to be listened to fully. I enjoy panpipe music so it was good to hear a panpipe sound on some tracks; when "Revelry" gets into its stride it's like hearing Incantation performing their panpipe magic. There's also a hint of Enigma with the drawn out panpipe sounds on this track and "Stargazing." Govi's guitar playing is worth mentioning, it adds a slight edge to the music yet fits into the overall package well.

Nirvana Cafe is sure to appeal to those who are familiar with and like releases on the Real Music label. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys new age music or just wants something easygoing to put on when they want to relax.