Japanese duo Jack Or Jive expertly mixes the shadowy enchantment of female
vocal with paganish landscape. On the other hand, the Neapolitan musician
GOR writes ethnic fusion scores of such combinations of Mediterranean and
Western-Asia. Colliding with each other, "Soliel" offers the absolutely thrilling
experience to all Jack Or Jive and GOR’s fans.
However, the essential of "Soliel", in my opinon, is mainly Jack Or Jive’s style,
including the unique harmonies of the melodies and the qualities of the
arrangements and mixes. In other words, the album is the soundtrack filled with
orientalism. Instead of fragile, disorientating voice in other JOJ previous albums,
Chako sung, as the Tibetan and the Moglian, with mellifluous prayers for peace
and nature, just like the song "Sea of clouds". The crystal-like tones of Chako
strike a balance between light and darkness.
"Hammiqdash", with a pleasing melody, is strewn within the exotic fragrance.
With regardto "Shofar", a piece of GOR’s solo, is kind of a Sufi mesmerizing the
listeners with its ancient calling, a little similar to Stephen Micus and Christian Wolz.
"Hieros Gamos", featured with the sounds of Streams and Currents, evokes the
innermost harmony between the human beings and the nature. Behind the airy
synths, an ambient instrumental as "Masiqta" takes us to search the birthplace
of hope and wisdom. Through the silent nights, the darkwoods, the gossamers of
nightmares, we finally recognize the miracle of creation. Suddenly, towards the
winds and ashes, Chako’s magical chant leads us to the creamcolored desert in
"Zeloun". Especially, the percussions and snake Israel clarinet performed by GOR
is spectacularly psychedelic! The next melancholy track "Heimarmene" breaks the
seals of our memo! ries. Synths shiverd, just as that our soul not willing to face
our fate and destiny?the essential of ourselves. "Gulgaltha" is the next brilliant
track, which enlightens us with the disembodied utterances and the heartwarming
chanting. The thunder-like cymbals impress us with more colorful images.
Finally, the standout here, by the way, is the last song "Blue Curtain".
There are too manycomplicated emotions in this song. Blurry, ethereal, frosting the
drifting piano, the heavenly organ and the ritual drones parts, Chako repeatedly
sings breathtakingly. While the first time I listened it, I couldn’t help myself stop
thinking about the memories ofscars.
Some sad fragments emerged and overwhelmed me. But they soonly disappered.
Chako’s voices melt in our heart to heal the dark side of our inner negative emotions.