ISHQ - Sama

After half a decade in the making, Electronic Soundscapes presents the second full length album by ISHQ – "Sama".

ISHQ are: composer Matt Hillier and Jacqueline Kersley. They have been making music since 1995 under various guises such as Indigo egg, Ishvara and Elve among others. After the global critical acclaim of "Orchid" in 2001 on Interchill Records, they are taking their soundscapes onto a whole new level with their second full length album "Sama".

Sama is derived from the verbal root Sam, which means to be quiet, calm, resigned, tranquil, having equanimity, absence of passion and emancipation from all the illusions of existence.

With the most crystal clear and transparent production of all ISHQ releases up to date, this album takes the listener on an inward journey spiraling outwards like a floating cosmic feather which travels seamlessly through unfolding universal melodies.

The ride begins with "Intro". As the title indicates, the track is an introductory link to the journey that's about to begin.

Field recordings blend smoothly with landmark ISHQ atmospheres on "Sama". Encompassing the album's essence, "Sama" steadily drifts into celestial melodies, embellished with heavenly vocals and theremin sweetness.

"Vidya" gently keeps the mind and heart of the listener on the heavenly atmospheres that "Sama" reached. Floating vocals, initiate our senses into a rhythmic journey. Ambient bass lines and ISHQ wizardry blend into clean beams of white light.

"Energeia" acts as an interlude between "Vidya's" bass structures and "Elysian", allowing the body and mind to soak into ISHQ's soundscapes.

Empty your mind and let your senses give in to the panoramic soundfields of "Elysian". Three-dimensional ethereal harmonies transcend thoughts and propel the mind into familiar sonic landscapes. Harmonic ambience at its very best.

Gradually elevating bass lines and ungenred ambient beats envelop the senses and take the listener by the hand into a magic carpet planetary ride as "Urasvati" unfolds. A balanced and rare 16-minute masterpiece.

Floating from "Urasvati's" space ride, back to ethereal tranquillity inspired by one of the most remarkable and cultivated ancient civilizations, "Persia" acts as a soothing catalyst, settling down the mind. Organic vocals layered over resonating atmospheres.

Reaching towards the end of the journey, "Path" acts as a sonic bridge for the journey's final destination.

Just over 12 minutes in duration , "Mandala" roots negativity deep into the earth, allowing positive magnetic waves to interact with our stream of consciousness. An epitome of conscious ambient music.

Sama is the fifth of the eight Bhava-Pushpas (flowers of being) of Buddhism and also means to be self-restrained; to have charity, impersonal affection, veracity, meditation, patience, resignation and selfless devotion.

ISHQ's cinematic soundscapes are hard to put into words. Better described as harmonic music frequencies encompassing heavenly atmospheres, "Sama" is not an exception.