Mind Over Matter Indian Meditation Play:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track 'Northstar')

Mind Over Matter, as the name implies is the meditational project of Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock.

This album is an 8-track compilation of specially selected, Middle Eastern orientated works spanning releases from the period of 1988 to 2004. The pieces are indeed meditational throughout the albums duration but more melodic than your average cd of just trance inducing drone-works. Here we have carefully crafted pieces of music for the head which is interesting enough to grab and hold the listeners attention.

Track 1, Brahman exemplifies the setting and pace of the set and begins suitably in synth pad and natural sounds territory. A general feeling of serenity and warmth encases the listener and induces spiritual awareness. The eastern presence is slightly more noticeable in this piece, with an occasional thematic flute lead line adding depth to the proceedings. Add to this a soft, almost melotron styled choral underlay and this proves as a good opus to the set at just under six minutes.

Mahatma is one of the two longer pieces on the album at just under 11 minutes. Heading off in a slightly different direction a mid- tempo acoustic bass pattern enters the fold together with bass drones and various natural and processed effects. A melotron flute lead then enters keeping the piece serene, yet a little mysterious and is then joined by sprinklings of electric piano textures. Intensity builds via the addition of solid string and choral textures together with short intermittent narratives.

Varanasi Morning, the shortest track on offer begins with natural effects and is perhaps the most minimal of the tracks on offer. Again the listener is treated to another wonderful melotron flute lead but occasionally this is replaced by the sounds of Melotron strings.

La Vie, takes the listener away from the mid-eastern sensation temporarily and as the title suggests has French flavourings. The piece starts in light drone territory but an effective guitar theme gives some melodic direction. A bass undercurrent then takes hold and brief intermittent French narratives carry the piece forward. The piece transposes to a higher level under a sea of sparkling melodic textures and further percussive elements. An acoustic guitar enters at around the 7 minute mark with the narrative returning at select moments. Organic chordal structures carry this track to its conclusion.

Mountains of Karma begins with a distant Tibetan monastic chanting loop. A flute lead is then introduced under a wash of thunderous effects and synth patterns Occasional harp stabs and additional bass drone give the piece variety until a more apparent harp motif is heard. This piece could be compared to Vangelis in one of his more serene and somewhat minimalistic moments. Sri Ram begins with Tamboura drones and is perhaps the most eastern influenced track on the album. A dominant sitar theme grabs the listeners' attention with a mid-tempo percussive loop. Flute sounds appear together with effective vocal harmonies. An electric piano lead takes over before the sitar section finally returns.

Northstar begins in white noise sonic territory. More minimalistic in orientation this track features occasional shimmering textures over an array of soundscapes. Further low textures help to build intensity, providing a distinctly atmospheric and profound cosmic quality.

The Silence is anything but what the title suggests with its initial wash of resonant drones and effects. Additional minimalistic tones combine forces with a hybrid Electric Piano theme, warming in nature, if not a little mysterious. The tracks conclusion lies in the continuation of the main theme and soothing chordal textures.