Review Summary: Stagnant, but their most enjoyable record in 7 years...
My Sleeping Karma are the perfect example of riff recycling machines. Undoubtedly, they are one of the most recognizable bands in the psychedelic rock genre, yet they have always managed to get away with constant rehashing. In a way, who can blame them? After releasing two spectacular, engaging records (probably the most renowned being
Satya) and a good one (
Tri), the guys have secured a deal with Napalm Records, which brought them to a whole new level of fame. As a result, I thought
Soma was perhaps them playing safe to make sure their music fits every old and new listener. Nevertheless, if you take a look back, the band hasn't changed at all since their debut hit the shelves back in 2006. They have only perfected their formula and let the songs roll.
With their 5th offering,
Moksha, in our hands (and computers), I can safely say the German quartet have finally released a worthy successor to
Satya. Of course, nothing has changed sound-wise, only the riffs are catchier this time around. The title track is arguably the most beautiful cut here with its mournful piano line and the accompanying gentle, high-pitched guitar leads. The lovely melody is often disrupted by heavy segments that remind us how easily and smooth can they jump from one end of the spectrum to the other. Also, the latter half of the record, ending with 'Jalam' and 'Agni' bring forth the riffs, contrasting the lush, atmospheric openers, 'Prithvi' or 'Vayu'. Each instrument adds a lot to the whole, but the keyboards are usually the ones that manage to augment the tune most. I praise the balance in their approach, yet it all ends up a bit too tight. Even though it's not My Sleeping Karma going through motions like previous affairs did,
Moksha is quite stagnant as well and sadly, doesn't feel the need to expand at all. The interludes are the closest these guys have come to experimentation, it's like they're afraid to explore new paths.
The weird thing is that I find myself complaining yet once I listen to their music I get totally drawn in their universe. Taken out of context,
Moksha is excellent, however, once you put it together with the rest of the albums, it loses a few points. Like I mentioned, if they had developed those interludes into tracks, this would've been a small but significant step outside their comfort zone. Unfortunately, those teasing segments are only gateways to the next chapters that you've already heard many times before. Nevertheless, in order to continue enjoying their stuff, I have to give up and accept the fact that these guys will most probably continue to churn the same tunes more or less. So, fewer expectations, more fun, I guess. Still, if you're only looking for a new My Sleeping Karma album to chill out to, this will be a perfect addition to your collection.
