Freiburg, Germany [Brain 1045]
AMG Review by Rolf Semprebon
Yatha Sidhra's only record, the aptly titled A Meditation Mass, is a strange mystical experience stretched over four parts that segue almost seamlessly into one another, though the Spalax CD has a slight break between tracks two and three, where the original record changed sides. (The earlier Laser Edge reissue ran the tracks without the break.) Though the record was released in the early '70s, it has that late-'60s acid-haze, hippie ambience without coming off clichéd or dated. It starts off with watery noises and a wind hum, until eventually a flanged acoustic guitar riff gently floats into the mix, very dreamy and hypnotic over the whir of electronics. The piece slowly ebbs and flows as other instruments are pulled into the strange cosmic drift of sounds: washes of cymbals, vaguely ethnic percussions, a flute, vibes, and other sounds, even some group chanting with electronically treated voices, while the guitar weaves steadily to keep it together as it slowly builds up. On the second and third part the band veers into far more free-form improvisation, from jazzy sections with an upbeat swing to electric guitar over a trance-like rhythm to a bizarre drum and flute duel to intense freakouts before once again becoming calm and relaxed. Part four winds the album up where it began, with the acoustic guitar riff and tribal percussion and spacy electronics and flute building up to more chanting -- there is no beginning or end. One might compare Yatha Sidhra with other Krautrock bands like Ash Ra Tempel, Popul Vuh, or Limbus 3, but Yatha Sidhra's striking originality is like nothing else.
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Prog Archives
Review by Sean Trane (Hugues Chantraine)
4 stars Very pleasant psych/space/prog machine from Germany , derived from the Tibetan philosophy . One of those hidden gems that should be investigated as onlyGerman rock could produce and let them fall into forgotten oblivion. As I do this from memory, this music while cosmic is full of flutes and instrumental passages. Recommended. This album can also played with the repeat button ON during those nights you have decided to honour your girlfriend/wife/mistress in between the sheets for the whole night.
Review by loserboy (James Unger)
5 stars Truely fitting of its title, YATH SIDRA's "A Meditation Mass" will certainly take your mind into another dimension. This is an album that simply must be experienced to be enjoyed through and through. Centered around a very slow and hypnotic trance like theme, YATH SIDRA a blend in elements of flute, piano and vibes giving the listener a holistic atmosphere. Although divided into 4 parts, "A Meditation Mass" runs like 1 complete song from start to finish. This is one of those turn down the lights and put the ol' headphones on for 40 mins kinds of recordings. YATH SIDRA create slow yet highly involved atmospheric movements which may be interpreted as hypnotic in aspect, but never seems to get stuck or become repetitive throughout. Vocals are at a minimal and really should be considered background chorus. Percussion is very delicious and never gets too loud remaining mostly tympanic in nature. For those who love it nice and spacey, this is definitely for you. This is another essential recording to adorn your collection.
Review by Carl floyd fan (carl)
4 stars Do you need to relax? Than search far and wide for this cd and if you have to, download it, because this cd is very chill and is good for those low key days when you want to lay in bed and listen to calming music. And besides part 3 which has its energetic moments, this cd will lull you into a state of bliss. Beautiful flutes really make you appreicate sidhra's work. 4 and a half stars.
Review by philippe (Philippe Blache)
5 stars A rather rare item which combines the best of "pastoral" peaceful meditative music and spacey / psych instrumentation. The two multi-instrumentalists have composed one long tune, divided into two leading themes punctuated by numerous variations. The central theme comes to the light directly at the beginning of the album after a brief introduction of atmospheric / electronic noises: a dreamy, repetitive guitar part is progressively accompanied by acoustic percussions and relaxed flute solos. We go back to these wonderful and lovely harmonies in the last part of the album. Part2 & 3 starts with the same introspect theme. Part 2 first puts the stress on flute enchanting lines then finally progresses into a quick jazzy "trip" dominated by electronic organ parts. The third section is a convincing exploration throw space rock with "trippy" electric guitar passages & possessed flute sequences. In a few words, an inventive, beautiful "immersive" album which can naturally reach the most contemplative of us in a higher state of consciousness. A little masterpiece!
Review by Eetu Pellonpää
5 stars This record holds a true gem of aural art, and all possible associations of too stoned hippies fooling around should be spared for other records. The uniqueness of this album being a sole release by this group brings only more value to it, as it’s just like a sole deep realization of life needing no sequels. There is only one long piece, divided and named as four different parts.
The forty minutes long voyage starts with old vintage electronics painting abstract forms, where a beautiful guitar mantra slowly arises and weaves a beautiful melodic frame, where the improvised flute and moog solos start to dance. The peaceful beginning turns to a more intense trance, which leads to some jazzy passages. In the third part the progression leads to the powerful climax, which is calmed by deep, slow bass drones. After this the music returns to the beginnings mantra theme, making “A Meditation Mass” a cycle story, like the ancient Gilgamesh epic. I believe this resolution also describes a successful voyage to the deeper parts of a persons mind, which doesn’t initiate a psychosis, but one is safely returned to the basic mental state of the beginning.
There’s a one detail in the CD version which could have been edited by the releaser: The “Part 2” probably ended the vinyl’s A-side, as the faded beginning of “Part 3” is heard for a small moment in the end of track two, and it begins again at the track three. This brings an authentic vision of how the music runs on the LP, but on CD one could hear the whole work from first to last note without interrupts, if this transition would have been edited properly. At least I decided to do for myself this kind of copy where the music doesn’t have pauses. Similar remains of vinyl recording solution can be heard for example on HAWKWIND’s “Space Ritual”, where the music fades out and in between the changes of the sides of the original vinyl. These edits are logical on LP albums, but illogical on compact discs. Also here the four track divisions are futile, as in my opinion this record has to be listened all the way from its beginning to the end. It truly is a soothing and inspiriting spiritual work of art.
Review by Cesar Inca (César Inca Mendoza Loyola)
4 stars This one-shot German act is really something. Yatha Sidhra’s “A Meditation Mass” is an amazing lesson on building mystery and intensity through mere subtlety. The music is quite relaxing, yet the delicate interplay between flute and keyboard-guitar reveals a hint of spiritual passion that only comes forward in some specific moments. This music might appeal to those who love Jade Warrior, particularly their earlier albums. The Fichter brothers (bearing duties on keyboards-vibes-guitar and drums-percussion, respectively) sure managed to create a rich atmosphere under a strict Spartan guise. Main influences here are “Ummagumma”-era Pink Floyd, avant-garde jazz rock and Hindu folk, all of them mixed to create a sonic nucleus solidly framed in the bucolic side of German psychedelic experimentation. The flute fills the leading role in many passages of the album, which makes it very clear that the guitar phrases are mostly created to set clever counterpoints to the woodwind sounds and the keyboards are preferentially in charge of textures and ambiences. Part 1 begins with an ethereal synthesizer soundscape, which eventually gives way to an exotic tribal main section. The synthesizer remains as a provider of softly disturbing adornments while the percussion and electric 12-string guitar harmonies set a solid landscape. This 17+ minute delight finds a constant climax whenever the flute input gets at its most hypnotic. The final electric piano phrases end this track in delicate fashion. Part 2 finds the band getting a bit rougher without losing their introspective essence. In a little more than a 3-minute span the foursome displays a mixture of Floydian languid atmospheres and jazzy cadences. The bass lines that disappear during the fade-out reappear at the initial fade-in of Part 3. This time, keyboardist Rolf Fichter takes the lead guitar and things start to get increasingly Floydian. The gradually enhanced energy created by the band may remind the listener of Ash Ra Tempel and Amon Düül II during its most explosive passages. They’re quite ecstatic, indeed, like the soundtrack to a mind that transcends itself momentarily in order to explore the realms of a reality beyond our world. The reprise of the initial motif seems to indicate the moment of the mind’s return to the world. This is a definitive apex of the album. Part 4 closes down the album with a mesmerizing reprise of Part 1’s main motif, only developed in a more constrained manner. “A Meditation Mass” is a hidden gem that deserves proper appreciation from avid lovers of experimental music worldwide.
Review by proghead0
5 stars Another great, but little known gem of Krautrock. "A Meditation Mass" is perhaps the rarest album to be found on the Brain label, and it went through two versions: the original with the diecut cover, and the one without. Don't bother tracking down the LP (either version), as they don't exactly grow on trees. Later on, when reissued on CD, The Laser's Edge issued it in '92 with the diecut cover, and in '95, Spalax in France issued it without the diecut.
If you're a fan of ASH RA TEMPEL, or early, percussion-dominated POPOL VUH, then this is for you. Given the title is "A Meditation Mass", expect the music to be laid-back, don't expect raw, aggressive, and mindblowingly intense passages like you might get with ASH RA TEMPEL at times. YATHA SIDHRA featured the guitar/keyboards (keyboards include Moog synthesizer and Hohner Pianet) of Rolf Fichter and drums/percussion of Klaus Fichter (presumably brothers) with tons of beautiful flute from Peter Elbracht and guitar/bass of Matthias Nicolai.
The album is basically one long cut divided by four parts. Lots of nice, meditative passages, with some jazzy passages at times, especially "Part 2" and "Part 3". "Part 4" is mainly themes from throughout the album revisited. The guitar work often brings to mind Manuel Göttsching, but he often played his guitar more in the style of a sitar, in an attempt to create a droning effect. And given the band name is very obviously Eastern (presumably Sanskrit), little surprise that the cover artwork is very Eastern influenced, Indian style, of course. While most of the music is instrumental, Rolf Fichter provides the occasional vocals as well, nothing intrusive. This is truly an album that needs multiple listens, because it more or less keeps the same pace throughout. There are a few exceptions, especially the jazzier sections of "Part 3", where the band tries something a little more intense. Regardless, a truly wonderful gem of Krautrock, and if you can track a copy, do so!
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Exposé Archive - Issue #1
Considered by most a classic, this album was very recently put out by the Laser's Edge. One of the most unique and interesting Krautrock releases of the seventies, "A Meditation Mass" is a four part suite. First off, one must realize that you can't listen to Yatha Sidhra the same way that you listen to most progressive music. You can't listen to each instrument closely and try to piece together the music. This is only a three-piece, based around drums, guitar, bass, and a guest on flute. The sound isn't full. Instead of listening for compositional complexities, just relax and let the music carry you away. It will. Part 1 of the suite starts slowly with flanged guitar picking through chords, overlaid flute, and melodic percussion. My hat is off to drummer Klaus Fichter for his use of the drums as a lead instrument. The music gradually picks up in intensity, until it segues into Part 2. Through, a very "cosmic" feel is presented. I can't help but think this would make a great soundtrack to a fantasy-styled movie, even though I hate fantasy movies! Part 3 is the most upbeat, with a walking bass line complemented by non-stop guitar soloing and drum leads. Part 4 reverts to the themes and style of part one, tying this work together quite well. A nice bonus is that all the tracks segue, so its like listening to one 40 minute piece. Comparisons won't do Yatha Sidhra justice because they are original. But if I had to pick out a few, they would be: Popol Vuh, Laurent Thibault, and Kebnekaise. A great release.
-- Mike Borella
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GEPR
The title of A Meditation Mass sums up the atmosphere these guys create. Yatha Sidhra create a very mesmerizing, dreamy and hypnotic space music, using moog, guitar, a variety of percussion instruments and flutes. The music consists of four parts that flow together. The original LP, of course, had to break for the side but the reissue combined together all four tracks for 40 minutes of continuous cosmic ebb and flow. The first part (nearly 18 minutes long) begins with ephemeral flute and percussion against a dreamy guitar backdrop. Soon, the moog begins a sinuous dance with the other instruments. The band is in no hurry (and neither are you), taking their time, slowly picking up the pace and intensity. After a time, ethereal voices join in and the flute begins to hint at some of the energy to come. Finally, the vibes, then electric piano signal the pending arrival of the brief second part. The pace picks up a notch for a flute/electric piano duet before the arrival of the 12 minute third part. As the music nears its climax the guitar fights with the flute before coming to the fore, developing into a bluesy, spacy guitar jam necessary for all good German space music. Finally, the main theme returns and we are gently carried back to earth. Yatha Sidhra's brand of cosmic music is not as "wigged out" as Amon Düül II improvisations circa Yeti, or even Ash Ra Tempel's excellent first release, which might make it more accessible for those of you just beginning to explore this type of music. Highly recommended to all would-be cosmonauts!
-- Mike Taylor
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VintageProg
As the title states, Yatha Sidhra's only album is a very meditative and mostly peaceful work. It consisted of one album-length suite in four parts which all float together. It is possible that the album gave some inspiration for Jade Warrior during their period on Island (which also happens to be their best period in my opinion), but Yatha Sidhra's music was definitively less developed and without the melodic sense of Jade Warrior. The album opens with the electric guitar fading slowly in and together with the tablas creating the underlying foundation for most of the piece. The most dominant instrument is undoubtedly Peter Elbracht's flute that in an otherworldly and ethereal way improvises its way through most of the album. He is soon joined by Rolf Ficther's shimmering Moog and very dreamy vocals. They do however not last for long, as a vibraphone solo appears and brings the first part to an end. The second and shortest part of the suite introduces some el-piano to the sound, but the flute is again quickly taking centre stage in the music. The band goes into rock-mood on the third part, which is mostly a jazzy/bluesy electric jam of the kind that many krautrock bands had several of. The fourth and final part is basically a repetition of the first, but shorter and more tightly edited. "A Meditation Mass" makes some good relaxation music with its hypnotic structures and dreamy sound, and comes recommended for anyone looking for that.
-- Tommy Schönenberg
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