Asana Shrine (Remastered CDR)

The original pressing of ‘Shrine’ has been sold out for some time now, and with the release of Asana’s Jodrell Bank concert we’ve had numerous people picking up ‘Trikuti’ and wanting to complete the set by purchasing ‘Shrine’. Up to now we’ve had to disappoint them, but the clamour has become so large that Dave Barker, the mix master behind Asana, has remastered the original album onto a limited edition CD-R. The packaging has been completely revamped, and musically Dave reveals that this release actually sounds better than the original - despite dynamic sound quality being a strength of the first pressing. ‘Shrine’ was Asana’s debut album and instantly catapulted Dave Barker to the forefront of musicians blending traditional EM approaches with the exploding phenomenon of ambient dance. There are many facets of Asana’s style to admire, however the particular strengths remain the infectious "floor-stomping" rhythmics and subliminally infectious melodies. The rhythms not only deliver a bass beat akin to a mortar shell at close range, they also embrace mesmeric sequencing resplendent with filter swept detail. Melodically ‘Shrine’ contains some of Dave’s best work, with the magnificent title track still inducing involuntary shivers of the spine as the synth pads weave a main theme of gossamer beauty. The deep bass sequences kick in and the choir voices swell, then the lilting rhythm is fleshed out by a sublime melody which remains a high point to this day. Like a child let loose in a sweet shop I’m finding it difficult to decide upon which goodies I should focus next. ‘Children of the Earth’ it must be. However, I’m still struggling because how can I describe this track without risking repetition and resorting to the phrase "sublime" yet again? Other questions dart through the mind. How did Dave Barker dream up such an exquisite sequence riff and why does that high register motif stick so stubbornly in the mind? You just can’t shake it, once heard it’s there to stay. Then the bass beat kicks in and another infectious theme is spontaneously developed. Listen to this track a few times and addiction is inevitable. Where to next? I haven’t mentioned the samples yet - an incredible variety of sampled voices are woven into the pieces. They offer marvellous counterpoint and are never overpowering. I fleetingly mentioned the filter swept sequencing. ‘Scan F’ is a fine example of this, with electronic pincers opening and closing to provide an ever shifting collage of synthesis. ‘Dream’ is perhaps even better, with the sequences often basking in expansive space and taking full advantage of the freedom. Have a prayer mat handy - worship may be unavoidable. (GG)

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