Vikram Shankar is involved in several bands and projects. You probably know him from Lux Terminus and Silent Skies because I share those quite a bit. He’s also the keyboardist for Within Temptation, Redemption, and live performer with Pain of Salvation. He has his hands full. But here he is releasing a solo record that is deeply emotive and personal. The album is called Lumina and it released on March 12th.
Vikram comes to us from North Carolina. His music has been a source of wisdom and hope for me, and this album is no different in that regard. Lumina is a piano album, both classical and ambient in presentation. Basically, this is Vikram in the purest form, utter expression and feeling flowing from his heart and mind down through his fingertips.
The album has twelve tracks and lasts about 47 minutes. It’s one of those albums that revels in subtlety and nuance, and one might not connect with it immediately, but at some point, the music will be exactly what they need on their worst day. It really is a healing experience, one that takes us back to the basics, past the consumerism and divisiveness of the world, back to the quietude of melody and home and sky.
And that’s what Lumina offers, insight and introspection. I love the structure of the album. You will notice that several of the tracks are named “_____ Visible”, and I think that’s telling. Almost like it’s not just the light that we need to seek, or even the darkness, but the whole breadth of human experience, emotion, and existence.
My favorites in the first half are “Daylight Visible”, a careful piece that reminds me of coming light, with a melody that I find myself humming often. I love “Shadows Dance”; this piece is interesting because I didn’t connect with it right away, but soon the gentle staccato rhythm and this abiding sense of hushed consideration really struck me. I also love “Stillness Permeate”, a rolling and gorgeous touchstone for the album, and “Shanti”, pure serenity.
My favorites in the second half are “Sunbeams Visible”, an enchanting and upbeat slice of hope. Yet, then comes “Dim”, a dark and lower octave piece that pairs so well because of the sheer contrast. Another favorite is the title track, possibly the most energetic piece on the album with its haunting vision of light and hope. The closer “Orison” is also a favorite with its storytelling atmosphere and cautious phrasing.
Vikram is a busy man, and Lumina shows him slowing down, taking a breath, and allowing the energy of existence to pour from his heart. Though it is quite reserved, the album still possesses a vibrant energy that will help you shed your burdens. I think anyone can benefit from an experience like this.
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Find Vikram Shankar online:
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The PROG Mind 