Ashaneen - Waves of Life (2015) Lossless

Suzanne Ciani only gave us seven waves. Ashaneen ups the ante by giving us ten as well as a new beginning. Impressionistic music that he composes by letting it flow through him, this is certainly music to clear your mind or get a deep tissue massage by. Falling into that bag of improv but disciplined, the music feels like waves rolling in and rolling out with the kind of randomness only the tides can provide. This is real new age music, old school. --Chris Spector - Midwest Record

''First Wave'' is a richly emotive composition that is able to provide listeners with a compelling narrative without possessing any traditional form of vocal accompaniment. The bold strokes that are taken on the onset of Waves of Life ensure that listeners are on the edge of their seats from the onset. The six-minute run time of this initial composition provides Ashaneen with ample space to express the different twists and turns that will await listeners through the eleven cuts on the title.

''Third Wave'' straddles the line between electronic and organic in a way few artists can achieve. There is something that listeners can identify as existing in everyday life (industrial area noises such as metal on metal, vibrations) but something wholly separate from what one may find in real life. It is this duality that keeps listeners attentive and eagerly anticipating what will be presented to them in subsequent compositions.
''Fifth Wave'' and ''Sixth Wave'' are a delightful one-two punch that highlight each other because of their considerable differences. While Ashaneen s hand is steady in establishing a cogent statement for this duo (as well as the whole of tracks on Waves of Life), the gulf between the overall sound and spirit of the compositions cannot be stressed enough.

Waves of Life concludes with ''A New Beginning,'' an effort that not only establishes the possible paths for Ashaneen in follow-up releases, but ties up the different styles and approaches taken by the artist in a neat and orderly bow. Ashaneen s latest speaks broadly to the human experience in a new and exciting fashion. --James McQuiston, Editor, NeuFutur.