Nitin Sahwney - Last Days Of Meaning (Album Review)
Friday, 14 October 2011
Written by Jaspreet Takhi
To describe Nitin Sawhney’s music as eclectic would be an understatement of gargantuan proportions. Genre wise and thematically he has never been afraid to push the boundaries; cocktails of multiculturalism, spiritual identity and generational conflict to name a few are expertly amalgamated with a colourful musical mélange ranging from the ancient sounds of the sitar to the breakneck beats of 1990s drum and bass – nothing is off limits. His ninth studio album ‘The Last Days of Meaning’ sees Sawhney demonstrate why he’s a past Ivor Novello and MOBO winner.
Sahwney has described the album as a “parable about entrenchment and dogmatism” and the ‘Meaning’ of the title is in fact, Donald Meaning played by acclaimed actor John Hurt; an embittered old man who is disenchanted with the world with its "bloody terrorists and immigrants". It is only by listening to a cassette of songs sent to him by his estranged wife and through numerous spoken word ‘Reflections’ interspersed across the album he eventually sees the world in a different light and becomes more mirthful in his last days.
Both Hurt and Sawhney are on top form and the songs are a clear reminder of Sawhney’s talents as a composer and abilities to represent the triumphs and trials of being a part of the ever changing multicultural landscape of Britain. With the help of superb vocalists such as Yolanda Quartley opening on the blues inspired 'The Devil and Midnight' and Nicki Wells on the beautifully enchanting 'Tender World' this album is an easy listeners’ paradise – regardless of all the complex themes intertwined.
'Kite' sees renowned maestro Soumik Datta captivate the listener with the dulcet tones of his Sarod which with the gradual addition of percussion and vocals lead to a climatic crescendo which makes 'Kite' one of the crown jewels of the album. For me, the absolute highlight is the bonus track, the overwhelming ‘Living On A Wire’ – the powerful vocal is indulgently melancholic leaving the hairs on the back of your neck standing with universal lyrics that anyone, in whichever corner of the Earth they are sitting in, can relate to. This album is quite simply a listener’s dream and a composer’s masterpiece.
Nitin Sawhney will be performing at London’s Union Chapel in November of this year.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
Sahwney has described the album as a “parable about entrenchment and dogmatism” and the ‘Meaning’ of the title is in fact, Donald Meaning played by acclaimed actor John Hurt; an embittered old man who is disenchanted with the world with its "bloody terrorists and immigrants". It is only by listening to a cassette of songs sent to him by his estranged wife and through numerous spoken word ‘Reflections’ interspersed across the album he eventually sees the world in a different light and becomes more mirthful in his last days.
