It’s been said time and time again that you can’t judge a book by its cover, yet still we find ourselves sizing up that which we think we have all figured out. Upon gazing at the cover of Metta Effect, the new album by Hymnisphere, various images of peace and harmony come to mind. We find a drawing of the earth and the meaning of the word “metta” in Sanskrit: “loving kindness.” With an album title that translates into “the effect of loving kindness,” some would immediately prepare themselves for new age music. While Hymnisphere’s latest includes that, it encompasses so much more in terms of style and sound.
Hymnisphere is producer/composer/visual artist Cheri Chuang, who seems to have tapped into life-affirming harmonies with this album. This is electronic music with the ability to shape shift from new age and ambient into a lighter shade of ethno techno. There is an all-inviting aesthetic in its approach that finds sounds from across the globe coming together for a greater good and becoming its own sonic global village. Such observations may not be readily apparent on the album’s opening track, “The Calling,” which eases you in with ancient mantras softly sung over cavernous chords. Then “Bliss Immortalis” catches you off-guard with a rhythmic shuffle and gorgeous vocal harmonies. It’s part Bel Canto, part Deep Forest, and enough to make you second guess your previous assumptions. The title track floats on a cloud of tranquility, the orchestral arrangements acting as the ultimate silver lining. Tambourines and tablas sit alongside finger cymbals on “Procession” while “Shakti” comes ready for the dance floor. A light break beat kicks in about 90 seconds into the song and the buildup progresses with every layer of percussion, vocals, and orchestral swells.
An argument can certainly be made for Chuang’s vocals being the finest instrument featured on Metta Effect. Handling both lead and background voices, her command of melody is striking. This is perhaps best experienced on the shorter tunes like “Moyoni Mwake” and “Seraphymn.” Both feature Chuang’s singing over subdued keyboard patterns, giving the vocals the attention that they so rightly deserve. Another highlight is “Nata,” a tune with the seductive qualities of mid-tempo house music. The drum programming gets chopped up from time to time, adding some friction to this heavenly piece. Chuang rises from said friction and calms the waters with her always reliable tones. Seated just above the instrumentation, her voice is a homing device, guiding us back to that secure place where we find love, beauty, and power within ourselves.
Word around the campfire is that Chuang is practicing the art of DJing, which is fantastic news. Considering the warmth and scope of songs included on Metta Effect, one can only imagine the awe she’ll inspire with her DJ sets. Until such time, the Hymnisphere full-length will keep us fully engaged. With all of the madness the world can bring, let this album be a healing salve for your mind, body, and spirit.
Reviewed By Jason Randall Smith
