Channeling the mystical symbolism of its Chinese namesake, SpiceHouse?s first wholly instrumental album, Anise Star, is synthesized from a seemingly juxtaposed, yet surprisingly congruent set of influences both ancient and... more » modern, interpreting ecclesiastical modes with modern electronics and intertwining synthesized and organic instrumentation to create sonic architecture that leads one down dark corridors into spaces of celestial light, taking you on an orchestral journey that one critic has described as "a 23rd century symphony playing at the end of the universe." Containing three tracks - ''The Inner Journey,' 'A Symphony of Storms,' and 'The Haunting' - originally commissioned for the film 'Bushinko,' as well as nine new compositions and the bonus track 'Where Have the Feelings Gone,' from the Barbarian Lovers album Dancing in Dreams, Anise Star shines brightly with a warm, ambient aura while still maintaining a cool edge of shamanistic mystery that lures the listener on a transcendent trek of aural exploration, again and again. SpiceHouse's Anise Star showcases the band's instrumental, ambient side, as compared to their album Tomorrow is the Answer, which focuses more on SpiceHouse's trip hop and vocal compositions. With seventy-two minutes of music, much of Anise Star is suitable for meditation, yoga, or simple relaxation.« less
Channeling the mystical symbolism of its Chinese namesake, SpiceHouse?s first wholly instrumental album, Anise Star, is synthesized from a seemingly juxtaposed, yet surprisingly congruent set of influences both ancient and modern, interpreting ecclesiastical modes with modern electronics and intertwining synthesized and organic instrumentation to create sonic architecture that leads one down dark corridors into spaces of celestial light, taking you on an orchestral journey that one critic has described as "a 23rd century symphony playing at the end of the universe." Containing three tracks - ''The Inner Journey,' 'A Symphony of Storms,' and 'The Haunting' - originally commissioned for the film 'Bushinko,' as well as nine new compositions and the bonus track 'Where Have the Feelings Gone,' from the Barbarian Lovers album Dancing in Dreams, Anise Star shines brightly with a warm, ambient aura while still maintaining a cool edge of shamanistic mystery that lures the listener on a transcendent trek of aural exploration, again and again. SpiceHouse's Anise Star showcases the band's instrumental, ambient side, as compared to their album Tomorrow is the Answer, which focuses more on SpiceHouse's trip hop and vocal compositions. With seventy-two minutes of music, much of Anise Star is suitable for meditation, yoga, or simple relaxation.
CD Reviews
I luv it
Blue Alaska Girl | Alaska | 06/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Who would think you could mix such different musical styles such as Electronica and World Music, and make something so interesting. "Blessings of the Earth" is a good song that just moves me every time I hear it. "A Symphony of Storms" at certain parts sounds like a hurricane coming at me, when I play it in my iPod I have to turn the volume way up. This is the kind of music I like - peaceful and uplifting. I am looking forward to getting more of them."
One of the better albums of the newer generation of ambient
Ed Barbour | New Hampshire | 07/22/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I recently returned from a trip to the South American Rainforests. While I was there, I took along my mp3 player filled with various types of "atmospheric music". I put 8 songs from this CD in my player. The music I listened to the most was from Anise Star and Robert Rich. Walking through a jungle at dawn with headphones on listening to songs like "The Inner Journey" and "Temple of the Rising Sun" with their tribal rythms really enhanced the experience to a very high level. Although this type music has been around quite a while, this CD has a nice freshness to it. So much so called ambient/new age music seems to be an overblown syruppy kind of sound, where this album has a nice transparent kind of three dimensional sound to it. Good Stuff!"
Nice tapestry of sound
Joan Ackerman | in a cloud | 05/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is at times complex and other times simple and soothing. There is an peaceful feel that runs through this album that makes it easy to listen to for long periods of time. I like to play this album in my cube at work at a low volume to tune out all the outside noise, so I can focus on my work. I also use many of the songs on Anise Star in a master meditation cd I made to meditate to. They weave a nice tapestry of sound that is a joy to listen to. You need to listen in headphones to enjoy this CD to it's full potential."
Many Moods
Dimitri Sandor | Sarasota, FL | 05/02/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Ambient music, this is a real good one. There are so many moods here. Some are peaceful some are tribal sounding and some are very electronic sounding. Each piece of music sounds unique, but the album as a whole still has a focus."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1