Deeyah’s Ataraxis: A journey through darkness and hope

On ‘Ataraxis’ Deeyah is accompanied by special guest musicians Bob James, Andy Summers and Nils Petter Molvaer.

Deeyah’s rich heritage and musical traditions reside in her voice evoking a sadness and vulnerability while firmly demonstrating her vocal command and strength as a powerful technical yet emotive singer.

Parts of ‘Ataraxis’ carries certain elements of the electronic pallets and harsh soundscapes we would expect on a Nine Inch Nails record rather than from a world music album making this a truly exciting and daring album. Sonically reflecting the reality of our troubled world today Deeyah manages to balance a feeling of a world in turmoil with the beauty and tradition in her voice and melodies. The contrast of these aggressive sonics and her choice of calming melodies is fascinating and works surprisingly well helping to bring the interpretation of world music to an unexpected and exciting new realm.

Bob James brings a sense of familiar musical esthetic through his contribution on ‘No One To Tell’, ‘Ascension’ and ‘Jogi’. Andy Summers emotional guitar parts compliment Deeyah’s haunting vocals in ‘Pashto Lullaby’ and ‘Oh Mother’ beautifully. Nils Petter Molvaer creates a mood of tension and aggression with his trumpet in ‘Vanishing Point’. Other powerful highlights are the tracks ‘Tarana’ and ‘Oneness’. This is a beautifully crafted album that finally brings a refreshing new take on the genre of world music.

http://deeyah-ataraxis.blogspot.com/