Djam Karet: Ascension - New Dark Age Vol. 2

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: November 1, 2001

“Djam Karet’s” customary blend of hard driving and inventively implemented progressive rock is diverted to the background on their latest effort, which is a limited edition of only 750 copies. Otherwise, for those who have followed the group’s sixteen-year rite of passage through a series of idiosyncratic offerings are also aware of the musicians’ ambient-electronic and world beat inclinations. With this release, the artists’ integrate themes fabricated upon Gayle Ellett and Mike Henderson’s somewhat organic acoustic/electric guitar lines, and mood altering patterns. On “The Hanging Tree,” the band pursues airy dreamscapes, in concert with a simply stated and thoroughly melodic lead synth line. However, this quartet is a true multitasking machine, as the rhythm section and lead soloists’ toggle between keys, percussion, and indigenous instruments amid their primary tools of the trade. The band takes the listener through a time warp on the final piece titled “Disintegration,” as they meld rumbling rhythms, flutes, and windswept digital effects with the guitarists’ acoustic guitar driven chord progressions. Essentially, the quartet provides us with yet another insightful perspective of its variegated approach to modern music, regardless of genre.

Djam Karet

Track Listing: 1. Arose From The Ashes 2. Licking The Skull 3. The Hanging Tree 4. Swimming In The Big Sky 5. Special Cases 6. Stage Three 7. Disintegration

Personnel: Gayle Ellett: electric guitars, 8 string lute, organ, wooden flute, E-bow, synths, field recordings and effects

Record Label: Independent Records
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock