Released
1998
Label
Fathom Records
"Sounding The Deep"
Reviewed by
Kim Alexander
Contact
Fathom Records
P.O. Box 31321
San Francisco CA
94131
Visit
Last Edit/Update
13 March, 1999
Tuu
and
Nick Parkin
Terma
Track Listing
1. Djinn (4:43)
2. Water Memory (8:45)
3. Magus (8:22)
4. Ghosts In The Landscape (8:51)
5. Terma (5:46)
6. Plateau (5:46)
Fathom Records has released yet
another high quality work of art by TUU's Martin Franklin
and flute virtuoso Nick Parkin bringing us an incredible work
"inspired by the hidden teachings of Tibetan Buddhism." Mantric drones,
water drum percussion, clay pots, synths, gongs, shaker and flute blend throughout the
tracks to take the listener on a contemporary ambient journey back in time to a more
mysterious era in eastern music history.
The climate of Terma is exotic and composed upon an
aural canvass of mysticism and hypnotic eastern ambience. The warmth of the Nick
Parkin's flute work coupled with the soft ancient drones and waterdrums wrap
themselves around oneanother in a blanket of swirling atmospheres. Each track
unveils a message of harmony and peace from our distant past and brings us up to our
troubled present times, yet releases a most comforting feeling while listening.
The synth work and programming, as well as the quality of the CD is
most highly commendable, as are the sounds of organic instruments used. Nick
Parkin, a master with flute, adds ingenious depth, emotion and breadth to the
compositions. Likewise, Martin Franklin of TUU
(see the Mesh review on
Last Sigh) is also highly regarded as a contemporary ambient world music composer.
The cover art is as incredible as is the music within, Tibetan Manuscript in the
interior inlay and even more mysterious cover images by Adriana Ionascu,
and image torture by Michael Synder.
Martin and Nick have certainly
outdone all others with Terma, a highly recommended release for those of
you who prefer the more mantric ambience of eastern soundscapes. A big hearty
"thank you" to Fathom Records/Hearts of Space for adding this
wonderful piece of work to the public, and for me to be able to share it with you.
