Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Nashaat Salman – Universal Melodies
(Meilen, Switzerland) Who doesn’t like good thought provoking Ambient laced music? I’d bet not all the hands go up in the air right away. I mean, while Ambient might not be your first choice, most people can’t deny getting into many top shelf synthetic music and admit to really enjoying finely crafted music within the genre after all. Well, keeping all this in mind the latest EP release by Nashaat Salman entitled “Universal Melodies” is an exceptional ambient disc that’s a very entertaining and soothing to the mind, body and soul. But wait it’ goes even further than Ambient, also present traces of Chill, Dub, and Progressive Electronic based Jazz.
Pioneering a new neo-jazz posture Salman makes an impression via musical poetry and modern expression in a beautifully pained existence. Their music takes you through a journey of all-encompassing sounds from soft ambience to aggressive repetition. This, her latest EP “Universal Melodies” explores the race we all face against time, inner angst and an isolated longing. The musical pacing relevant to the projects creator. This CD seems myself and Salman are on the same wavelength – because I get her musical vision. Just listen to marquee tracks like “Summer Nights Joy” and Dancing Star” and you will see my perspective. I got hooked on Salman immediately after the first few moments of “Summer Night Joy.” How would I describe her music? They re-define ambient music with touches of modern avant garde classical synthetic or electro-pop. Case in point you will also hear Saxophone, Strings, and Acoustic Guitar. Salman offers a fresh new sound capturing a unique menagerie of all the aforementioned genres with the intent of restoring roots into the modern day music scene. Intelligent melody layering and catchy grooves are the heart of her formula. I like how Salman just puts it out there and is not trying to cater to any particular style in general. The music brings at times danceable tunes, easy going “not so heartfelt” ballads, and an element of good well-crafted movements together sure to provoke a positive reaction from every listener and attendee. What’s more the production work from Salman delivers syncopated musical synergy with all other members as yet another enticing advent. Kudos goes out to the amazing fretwork and percussion. The vibe lends sort of a electro-classic sound to the disc, begging comparisons to the Air, Royksopp, Fathless, The Prodigy.
My Top Track: “Summer Nights Joy”
I could be wrong but the main focus of this CD could be about life itself. Nashaat Salman also manage to move between the mellower sounds and the more grooving ones. All in all it’s a powerful combination that puts a gal like Salman on the map for 2015.
Score: 4/5 Stars
Purchase Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/universal-melodies-vol.-1-ep/id1019328823
Review by Eric Mason
