Chicago Indymedia : http://chicago.indymedia.org/archive
Chicago Indymedia

News :: Peace

Alchemy

MUSIC REVIEW
Alchemy, Cargo Cult

The compact disc ALCHEMY, by Cargo Cult, is a work of art which soars above the world like a Thunderbird, leaving in its wake a literal explosion of orderly and enlivening electronic sound. Like the Thunderbirds of old, the music of Allan Vilhans CARGO CULT creates vivid and enthusiastic emotion, sure to have a positive effect on anyone who comes within hearing range of it.

This music teaches the soul.

From the first song: Entry, to the last: Wed, and everything in between, your speakers are going to vibrate in ways they never have before! The length, breadth, and width of this music is astounding and exceptional, creating an aura of sound that will surround the listener, and, dare we say, enrapture them as well? Alchemy is well named, because if ever there was such a thing as Audio Alchemy, this is it.

Some reviewers note the eastern influences evident in the music of Cargo Cult, but what shines through absolutely is the unfettered and natural talent of Allan Vilhan, a self-taught musician and songwriter, originally from Slovakia, now living in London, England.

Mr. Vilhan is only in his early 30's, though he is already an accomplished and experienced musician. From 1989-1992 Allan was the bass guitarist in the rock band Stirba, and he also played the keyboard in the alternative-rock band Navara (2000). He began composing his own music in 1998, and he performs all instrumentation on his albums, including guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, programming, and vocals. Some collaboration is now taking place as new member Keith Gould assists with certain of Cargo Cults music and vocals.

The music of Allan Vilhan has been called many things: Electronica, Dance, Trip-Hop, Ambient: even Beat Driven Pop, whatever that might be....the fact of the matter is this: Allan Vilhans' Cargo Cult is a refreshing break from formula music, with an intricacy all its own. The songs of Cargo Cult, without fail, are Audio Tales, each a unique story and complete work in itself. Citing influences as diverse as Primus, Tangerine Dream, Depeche Mode, and Sound Garden, Cargo Cult does well in creating its own distinct and interesting sound, within our world of sound.

To begin learning about Cargo Cult, start with Alchemy, and go from there. You will not be disappointed. It will make you want to dance. A great gift, from a great talent.

Track List

CD -- Alchemy, (ACM Records) by Cargo Cult (2nd Place at Just Plain Folks Music Awards 2004, in category "Best Electronic Album 2004")

1. Entry

2. Alchemy (6th place in category " Best electronic song 2004" at Just Plain Folks Music Awards 2004.)

3. Dilemma

4. Dirt

5. Our Song

6. Sunday

7. Ramanujan

8. Ambriel

9. Jazzmine

10. Rain

11. Garden

12. Mirrors

13. Matt

14. Ones

15. Wed

My favorites are Entry, Ramanujan, Garden, Alchemy, and Rain, in that order, although this is one of those rare compact discs that allow constant and straight through listening, many times over. You will hear something new every time you listen. At least I do.

Other works by Cargo Cult:

Vibrant (ACM Records)

CARGO CULT feat. KEITH GOULD / MIND PARADE (Music video)
Video to Cargo Cult's new song Mind Parade.

LISTEN FREE:

magnatune.com/artists/albums/cargo-alchemy/

Then download the CD at Magnatune for a very reasonable price!

www.myspace.com/cargocultmusic
 
 

Donate

Views

Account Login

Media Centers

 

This site made manifest by dadaIMC software