Search - Skin to Skin :: Temenos

Chant influenced, thoughtful soundscapes...

04/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the debut USA release from the Swedish duo Skin to Skin. The word "Temenos" means a sanctuary for inner reflection or the innermost part of a cave, according to the artwork. This music fits that description very well. I found it to be BOTH introspective and invigorating, with the energy level building as the album progresses. Yet it always remains laid back. Very nice work!!"

More chilling than cooling

LenLearn | Chicago | 12/05/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"While the cover art and some reviews give the impression that "Temenos" is some kind of lulliby CD, it's not the kind I would want to go to sleep by. If there was ever a soundtrack for human sacrifice rituals, this is probably it.
Temenos's "Skin To Skin" is an evocate and skillful compostion,
but I can't say with honesty that it's "relaxing", to me at least. It actually made me a uneasy, which is my problem and not nessessarily going to be yours. That does NOT mean It's a failure. It's unique, and for the most part memorable, but more than a bit moany and droaning.The three-part title track alternates between droaning chants and lite guitar, percussiion movments. The later to me was much more pleaseing.
The middle track "Daimon" is certainly the weakest piece. Too long, too repetitive and again not what I'd call soothing.
The most compelling comp is "Nekyia", described as a descent into hades, and they aren't kidding. Male and females cries of agony,lite percussion and sundrys mixed with a single synth cord repeated every fours seconds, then a forbodeing cello serenade to top things off.
Another plus is the artwork for the cover, which is one of the most beautiful, SERENE covers I've ever seen, but again, a bit deceptive.
Again, If what I've described sounds appealing to you, go for it! I guess I was just expecting something more lilty."

Fantastic anti-stress "Chill-Out" music

LenLearn | 06/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Swedish group Skin to Skin has created a very atmospheric cd with oriental ambient soundscapes on the california label Waveform Records. The first three tracks called Temenos I, II and III have excellent tunes from a dreamy twelve string guitar and in the background there are both electronic and organic drum rhythms. Temenos is a real "chill out"-album but it differs from many others since there are dynamic and evocative vocals on each track. For the one interested in shamanism the fourth track Daimon takes the listener on a real and long journey of the soul, in the company of mongolian-like throat-singing and hypnotic beats. The cd finishes of with the track I and II of Nekyia where one can lay back and travel with the ambient and oriental dub-tunes backing the callings of enchanted singers and suggestive eastern violins. The cd Temenos is one of the best I have ever heard in this genre and the group Skin to Skin deserves to get their musical message out to the whole wide world. Get Temenos, forget the stress and let your spirit soar."