And now for something a little different. I’m always searching for music that fits my many moods, and I like to stretch my tastes here and there. Opium Moon doesn’t really require much stretching for me, but it’s still different than most of the other music I like. Their new album Where We Are Gathered released back on September 15th, and it is a beauty.
Opium Moon is a fascinating band. For one thing, they won a Grammy Award for their self-titled 2018 debut, and have been nominated once since then, too. But that’s not the most interesting thing about them; the band consists of four seasoned musicians from Israel, United States, Iran, and Canada respectively, and also from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian backgrounds. They are quite literally creating peace through music, and I love that. The lineup here is Lili Haydn on violin, Hamid Saeidi on santoor, Itai Disraeli on bass, and M.B. Gordy on percussion. You will also hear guests Benjy Wertheimer, Wouter Kellerman, Hengameh, and Supreme Beings of Leisure.
What a sound they have, too! This is New Age music that pays heavy tribute to Dead Can Dance, especially their more world music-oriented albums. So, there is that aspect of their sound, the dark and breathy vocalizations, the world sounds, the drama, and the darkness. But there is another side to Opium Moon, and that is the pop-influenced side. Right in the middle of a Dead Can Dance or New Age musing, you’ll hear catchy choruses on some songs, addictive beats, and a sense of fresh air. It’s quite a pairing, and it makes for an interesting album.
I should also mention the terrific performances on this album. First off, Itai’s bass is some of my favorite this year; I love how powerful and monolithic it sounds on some tracks, and how groovy and I daresay cool it sounds on others. But when you add Lili’s vigorous violin, Hamid’s entrancing santoor musings, and M.B. Gordy’s delicious percussion, the whole package just works so well.
There isn’t a bad song here. My favorites in the first half are: the opener “Through the Ages”, sounding dark and shadowy and cinematic in a dreary sort of way; “Metta Prayer”, a bass-driven piece with deep male vocal harmonies and hammered dulcimer creating sparks of melody; the rhythmic and catchy beat of “The Mystery” with its excellent bass; and the curiously addictive “Love and Understanding” with its subtle vocals.
My favorites in the second half are “Only Spirit”, a squirrely track with deeply technical bass and mysterious vocals; and the closer, “Women Life Freedom”. That last one is such an interesting piece, being clearly influenced by pop music, but it is also steeped in New Age tones, has great vocals from Iranian vocalist Hengameh, and ends the album on an accessible, fresh note. I really like that song.
I’ve just been introduced to Opium Moon with this new album, and I’m interested in visiting their discography. This is expertly performed, soulfully written music with a message and a heart and a drive. Perhaps peace can be possible someday, and maybe this is how it is achieved: through the arts.
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Find Opium Moon online:
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The PROG Mind 