Re: Karma (Remastered)

Having had a career that has spanned over ten years, Michael Allison of Darshan Ambient has released a compilation of work from earlier discs and unreleased tracks. "Re:Karma" is a fine collection of songs that show the breadth of his talent as well as introducing a side of his work that some fans might not be aware of. Fans of Darshan Ambient's ambient work will no doubt be impressed by tracks such as "The Ocean Whispers", "A Walk Along the Ganges" and "Slow Drift", beautiful pieces that are very much in keeping with the lush ambience of "Providence" and "The Zen Master's Diary". Of particular note is the previously unreleased track "The Cool River" which opens the disc, a track taken from 1994 where a slight melody plays overtop a sustained background of pads. Serene, dreamlike, and beautiful in it's flow, "The Cool River" is a beautiful piece that stands with the best of his more ambient moments. Tracks like "Boundless" and "Tiger in the Grass" are slightly more indicative of the overall sound of the disc, percussion driven pieces where piano and synth lines float along the soundstream in chilled laid-back grooves. Of these more groove-based tracks, "Soul Chameleon" stands out as a complex percussive piece where shimmering tones and pads mingle and dance around eachother. Very inspired. Without doubt, "Re:Karma" is an excellent collection, fully displaying the talents of a very accomplished and talented electronic artist. Both an excellent place for new fans to be introduced to the music of Darshan Ambient, and a place for older fans to become reacquainted. Highly recommended. Review by Rik for Ping Things