Review: Cosmic Garden Project ‘Red Sand Blue Soil’
Have you ever been completely swept away by listening to a record or a particular song? It’s a unique feeling, like standing in the eye of a storm, where chaos and calm dance together. For me, this happened when listening for the first time Jimi Hendrix, King Crimson, The Doors, Pink Floyd, or later Joy Division, Robert Wyatt, to mention but a few.
Each note and lyric felt like a wave crashing over me, while an inner peace wrapped around my heart. It’s more than just music; it’s a kind of magic that connects deeply to your soul. These musical experiences have stayed with me, shaping how I feel about art and life. It’s fascinating how something so simple can provoke profound reactions. The feelings of turbulence and calm intertwine, revealing the complexity and beauty of existence. Whenever I find myself sinking into those familiar melodies, I know I’m stepping into a space where conflict and peace coexist.
Even today, I seek out those songs that stir something within me. They remind me of that unique blend of emotions and encourage me to embrace all that comes with being human. There are two bands that today have brought me that feeling of calm and tranquillity: Lublin, Poland’s More Experience, and Gothenburg, Sweden’s Cosmic Garden Project, for the spiritual connection that binds to each other.
When I first encountered the latter’s debut, 2023’s The Green Reverb, they were a three-piece band, and it felt like being swept into a vibrant, lysergic whirlwind that whisked me away to another realm. The music transported me into a world infused with calmness and spiritual awakening. Each track flowed smoothly and harmoniously, which felt like a serene embrace. Through their melodies, the album weaves together nature’s essence and a sense of universal well-being, inviting us to explore their own consciousness and dance within the music. The combination of music and poetry was truly mesmerising and undeniably captivating.
After three years of growth and evolution, the band welcomed Jerry Johansson as a new member, adding the unique sounds of the sitar and both 6 and 12 string electric guitars, bringing in a mantra of spiritual, astral feeling that shows a significant turning point for the group, transforming them into a captivating four-piece ensemble. With this fresh lineup, they channelled their creative energy into their sophomore album, Red Sand Blue Soil, which has since become a profound reflection of their artistic journey.
The richness of their sound has matured, showcasing a deeper connection to their psych space travellers ‘esoterikos’ roots. Their intent is to embrace us all in an experience reminiscent of an astral Garden of Eden, a paradisiacal project designed by their artistic leader Par Svensson.
Listening to Red Sand Blue Soil is like stepping into a cosmic garden where every note and word blooms, inviting all who listen to join in the joyful dance of existence…
The solemn melodies emerge like ethereal blooms in a vast landscape. This album embodies the spirit of innovative artists, drawing parallels to the sacred atmospheres created by Popol Vuh’s Hosianna Mantra and the mystique of The Doors’ Celebration Of The Lizard. It delivers a soundscape that feels both ancient and modern, creating a bridge between different musical eras and styles, enveloping the audience in a warm, resonant embrace.
With the opening song Leaving Earth, you feel transported by the mantra sound of the sitar into a journey where earthly living and spiritual essence become one and a celebration of life itself. The combination of music and poetry is truly spellbinding. Each song paints vivid pictures of astral heavenly bodies, merging earthly elements with a cosmic spirit that is undeniably captivating.
The lyrics resonate with truth and reflection, evoking thoughts and emotions, like in The Door Is Open, a song that feels like an invitation to step into a lush garden filled with colours, textures, and scents – a reminder of how intricate and interconnected life is. The vocal performance of Svensson adds another layer of depth to the experience. His tender, soothing voice flows effortlessly, echoing the reflective tones of legends like Jim Morrison, making it easy to get lost in his words. Every sound and whispered vocal feels like a continuous celebration, a joyful embrace of existence. From the first to the last song, there’s an uplifting energy that permeates the whole album.
Another healthy and engaging song for the way every instrument is blended together in a rainbow of sounds is Astral Bodies, earthly and illuminating, with the spoken lyric ‘Astral Bodies, forming a circle, floating, travel through the fields of glass. Red Sand, Blue Soil. Orange Water, filtered. Free the mind. Let’s go. Astral bodies, ready for take-off.’ This enthralling song stands out by creating a unique atmosphere that feels both relaxing and stimulating. The cosmic vibes seem to wrap around you like a comforting blanket, offering solace while simultaneously sparking curiosity. You can feel that there’s a genuine sense of belonging here; it’s like being part of a community marvelled by the magic of an unknown astral mind and sound.
The album takes you on a journey across your own mind, inviting you to explore each piece and find your own essence within its rhythms. The songs’ melodies change like the breeze shifting in a lush cosmic garden, surprising you with new delights. Its warmth encourages introspection and reflection, to dig deeper into your own thoughts and feelings. There’s a beautiful connection forged between the four musicians, fostering a sense of unity and understanding through sound.
The whole album is a transformative experience that transcends boundaries. It’s a ride through sound that invites you to become one with the universe, exploring both the chaos and the calm. With its enchanting soundscapes, poetic lyrics, and a vibe that feels like a collective embrace, leaving a lasting impression. It has a way of reminding us of the beauty of a possible astral world that can nurture our spiritual selves. Listening to Red Sand Blue Soil is like stepping into a cosmic garden where every note and word blooms, inviting all who listen to join in the joyful dance of existence.
Label: Sound Effect Records | Green Street Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
