Comments (1) ... I first heard Kaya Project while listening to OEM Radio. At the time I didn't know anything about them, but each time one of their tracks played I found myself looking up to see who the artist was. The songs came from their debut album "Walking Through", a fusion of Middle Eastern rhythms, vocal chants, instrumentation and percussion with Western orchestral strings, soft guitar, and slow breaks.

1. Walking Through
2. Slide
3. Labess
4. Olelo
5. Twin Soul
6. Nightflower (Kaya Project rmx)
7. Kanzaman Breaks
8. Tribal Shift
9. Stone Turns Black
10. Only The Brave
11. Resolve
12. Rise Above

"Slide", featuring vocals by Natasha Chamberlain (also known as DJ Natasha), combines slow breaks, percussive vocal exhalations, ambient synths and Spaghetti Western styled guitar work that brings Kaya Projects often eclectic style into its most varied focus.

Irina Mikhailova makes her vocal debut on Walking Through with "Labess". Heavy on a Transglobal Underground sound, it shows Natacha Atlas may be a strong influence for Irina's style. It's a strong, yet subtle track, with deep, string stabs, near Eastern melodies and percussion, and a complex, bass groove.

"Twin Soul" is an amalgamation of slow breaks, Middle Eastern vocals, and dub hints with a jazz flute solo. Nice flavor.

"Nightflower (Kaya Project rmx)" is a slow, sensual trip through Arabic strings, warm, seductive vocals, deep bass vibes, and slow breaks. Definitely a mood setter.

One of the strongest tracks presented is the mid-tempo "Kanzaman Breaks". Heavy Eastern percussion, deeply rhythmic Eastern strings, a dirty, synth bass line, and a nicely effected, melodic vocal loop. Tasty with spice: like a hot cup of Arabian coffee.

"Tribal Shift" is unique. It's a blend of female, tribal-like shouts, early trance-style beats, and a funky bass line that's oddly reminiscent of something I may have heard in the Eighties or early nineties, yet it sounds entirely fresh. Like a moth, I'm drawn to it but I'm not exactly sure why.

Deep in Eastern melodies and percussion, with subdued vocals, and a really nice structure, "Stone Turns Black" is a wonderfully deep and gritty groove. Highly recommended for getting on your laid-back, near Eastern swerve.

"Only The Brave" is a nice, slow moving piece led by string and bass melodies with soft, flowing Eastern flute and breathy, echoed female vocals combined with Western guitar work.

Although at times "Walking Through" walks the line that seperates World music from Asian-Fusion, Kaya Project never cross it. If your taste for music includes the Buddha Bar series of compilations, Transglobal Underground, Delerium, Caia or even the more traditional sound of bands like Vas, you should definitely get hold of Walking Through. A beautiful album that sounds even better with strong bass bins.

Add a Comment