Search - Vas :: Sunyata

One of the Most Amazing CDs I Have Ever Experienced

CD | New Jersey | 11/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few months back, I started to delve into the musical genre generally called "New Age," but I was trying to get past New Age, past the typical soft music heard like mind candy in shopping malls and yoga classes. I wanted to find something deeper. My first experiences were with Dead Can Dance, which was quite a leap in my tastes, but I was immediately enthralled by them, and over time, bought every one of their CDs, discovering numerous other artists along the way. One day, I found Vas. I was unsure, but Dead Can Dance fans were recommended to them. So, I bought "The Garden of Souls" and over time, grew to love it. Immediately, I went out and picked up "Offerings" and "Sunyata," to complete the collection. While I found Offerings to be okay, I fell in love with Sunyata, the group's debut album. I could not believe it--a CD that I could listen to over and over and over, and not get tired of. (Much like how I could get very tired of Dead Can Dance upon much repitition.) Every track on this CD is perfectly distinct. While the other two albums blend together into almost one melody--risking monotony at times--this had a new, but equally enthralling, track each break. I couldn't even begin to recommend a certain song--they are all magnificent. Azam Ali has that amazing talent of using her voice as an instrument. Much like Lisa Gerrard, she does not sing distinct lyrics, but in her own language, exuding so many emotions. And while Gerrard is amazing and I am a huge fan of hers, there are moments when Ali tops her. Greg Ellis, the group's own Brendan Perry, minus the droning singing (sorry for all the Dead Can Dance comparisons), is, for lack of a better description, one hell of a musician. He understands music from the East as much as he does music from the West. He blends an authentic Middle Eastern sound with a slight but not overwhelming American touch. There are moments when you could just fall into the music he creates. It's that amazing. The musical chemistry he has with Azam Ali is near perfection. I couldn't recommend this CD enough. Of the three albums Vas has released so far (with more to come, I hope), this one is the very best, with Garden of Souls in a steady second, and Offerings in third. I recommend you buy all three CDs if you've heard Vas before, but if you're hoping to hear them at their finest and get a great first impression, I recommend Sunyata even more. You will not be disappointed, at all."

What a goddess must sound like

Georg W. Koester | Phoenix, AZ USA | 12/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to this music, particularly the songs "Refuge" and "Iman," felt like the loving caress of a sacred and holy presence. I love music, but rarely do I play the same music over and over again without eventually tiring of it. This music is enchanting and addictive without any detectable side effects except deep appreciation and a feeling of love welling up from my heart. Azam Ali and Greg Ellis have created a "top-ten" masterpiece in my collection. If you like female vocalization, hammered dulcimer, bendir, and a host of fine percussion instruments to achieve powerful melodic rhythms, this album is a must for you. I am grateful to these two souls for their accomplishment. Thank you."

Beautiful, tribal, magical, moving!

She is no more | not here | 11/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my second CD from Vas. I found "Garden of Souls" to be more close to the sound of Dead Can Dance, though, yes Vas has their own sound.
On Sunyata, I found there was something very different...it seemed more pure, heartfelt, and Azam's voice was rich and an instrument in itself!
The Eastern melodies, and tribal drums and bells, were at once taking me to other countries, as well as to other times.
Some had a distinctly medieval flavor.
I found her voice exceptional, I actually radiated to it more then the sound Of Lisa in Dead Can Dance. Azam's voice has a higher, and more arabic quality then Lisa. I find Lisa's voice to be more Euro/celtic.
Something in the music just sounds more feminine...not in a soft way, but in a creative, earthy way.
I highly recomend it!"