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Review Summary: A vast musical journey. Something must’ve really sparked a creative fire in the modest collective that is Dzo-nga, because off of “The Sachem Tales” they sound more invigorated than ever. The band always accomplished a lovely yet distant atmosphere to at least a certain degree, but it always felt as if it could be taken leaps and bounds further. Here, that is what Dzo-nga has accomplished. A record that is staggering in its beauty and unmatched in its ability to retain an immense energy and vibrancy. This is present immediately off of the track “Midewiwin Lodge”, which, through the pattering rain and soothing sounds of nature, leads perfectly into the gorgeous intro of “To The Great Saltwater”. This track shows the introduction of both piano and clean vocals, both of which are quite commendable. They both float elegantly above the rest of instrumentation, creating a mixed sense of anguish and euphoria, of which the “anguish” stems from the abrasive vocals and vigorous blast beats.
“The Sachem Tales” is reminiscent of a fairy tale, places we longed to go to in our childhood to accomplish the whimsical visions of our young minds. What separates this, however, is that it still remains down to earth as well as being much more modest than the far-fetch’d visions of youth. The piano arpeggios, soprano melodies and various folk instruments (as well as chimes) may paint the picture of a better world, but the muffled, tortured shrieks remind us that this world we dream of is still a fantasy, and is something that we ourselves must create. It is music like this that makes the discovery worthwhile, music that can transport you into different dimensions while keeping you firmly rooted in where you are.
With this in mind, it feels as if the potential Dzo-nga has had has been fully fleshed out. There are moments of dazzling beauty and energy as well as a creativity that is certainly difficult to match. In addition, there is a feeling of constant tension that incrementally builds throughout the album, which is released during the album's much more peaceful tracks, such as the closer “The Witching Meadow”. Elegance in balanced with anger and despair, making “The Sachem Tales” is a whole new musical journey, one that winds its way through hearts of forests, the tops of mountain peaks, and the bottom of abyssal gullies, whisking the listener into these distant lands with it.
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Yeah idk if this was any good or not
| | | Album Rating: 3.8
"Something must’ve really sparked a creative fire in the modest collective that is Dzo-nga, because off of “The Sachem Tales” they sound as invigorated as ever."
if they sound as invigorated as they usually do then why do you think a creative fire was sparked?
| | | Shoulda said more, really picking me apart here lol but thanks.
| | | The fairytale comparison is apt for two reasons: conceptually, the album is presented as a storytelling session, where a shaman character passes on traditional stories of the Ojibwe people. Beyond that, writing this was an escape from reality during some trying times for me. So props for picking up on that.
| | | It might also help that i'm an alt account of a certain someone you know lol
| | | You make it sound like I solicited this review -___-
| | | Yeah i didn't mean to do that but yeah it's kingdede, i've been wanting to do a new account for awhile.
| | | All good, glad to help you get it off the ground :P
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Good review man. Overall, I enjoyed this album a lot. The vocals and the compositions are excellent. I'm a little torn, because I wish a majority of the instruments weren't midi, especially the acoustic guitars. I'm curious what this would have sounded like with a more organic direction. That being said, it does work for this album, and I think all of the arrangements are very well executed. Good job on this one Sevengill, I think it's your best yet.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Good review dude, album is pretty awesome.
"This track shows the introduction of both piano and clean vocals, both of which are quite commendable. They both"
Do you really need all the "both"s though?
| | | @Dungeon - Thanks, man. I'm happy as long as I'm moving forward. Technically there aren't any MIDI instruments here, but most are synthesized. Using MIDI makes everything sound kinda mechanical and "perfect", so I run it analog to force myself to actually play each part in real-time with natural inflection.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Everything on here sounds very dynamic. It sounds like it's being played, not mapped by hand. There's a lot of life to this album.
| | | Album Rating: 2.0
Album art looks like the cover to an indie Steam game
doing my first listen now
| | | "Album art looks like the cover to an indie Steam game"
nah, pretty sure this belongs on a Magic: The Gathering card
| | | Magic The Gathering artworks are incredible so imo that's a heavy compliment.
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
About to jam now.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Sweet review for a very good album, hopefully those digis will be available soon at Avantgarde Music.
| | | "also too many double kicks"
yeah I was hoping for more varied beats but when you outsource your drums that's what you get haha.
| | | Is this pronounced Zoe-nigga? Cause that's how it looks.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
I read, Zoh-Nyah
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