Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Daniel Masson - Magic Carpet

2/11/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Daniel Masson

Magic Carpet
​self-released; 2020

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

I first became acquainted with Daniel Masson back in 2013. The artist back then already had been releasing music for a long time and had first started to develop his passion in the mid ’70s. Masson has traveled the globe grabbing inspiration from various cultures that create symbiotic relationships with his own unique style. Magic Carpet is his latest release and Masson went to Bangladesh, India, Syria, Egypt and Morocco to record the songs.

The songs are instrumental but on occasion do use vocals but it’s never a lead. I felt like there was a lot to explore which is something that I often expect in his music. Suffice it to say headphones are my preferred way of listening but this is also music that defines a mood. In my opinion I found the groove very relaxing and tranquil. It’s very easy just to submerge in a river of frequencies that Masson creates which are fluid and seamless but also dynamic.

The album begins with “Elsewhere” and there was a mix of illuminated pads, synth bass and electronic percussion but also the Eastern instrumentation that Masson went to record. It’s easy to not know where one instrument begins and where the other ends and I think that's the point.

“Escape” fuses elements of jungle, electronics and more to create a lush yet exciting groove. Some melodies reminded me of Bjork but the ever changing textures, tones and colors are uniquely Masson. The title track “Magic Carpet'' fuses together what sounds like sitar and multiple vocals against more contemporary club worthy rhythms. 

“Medina Course'' had a slightly different quality. The guitar reminded me more of music from Brazil or Argentina. “On The Road'' goes back into somewhat classic Masson territory. “Pondi NIght” had a visual effect because I felt like I was in the middle of the forest. It’s hard to pinpoint but the song felt related to nature in some way and seemed to brim with life.

Last up is “Voyage towards the Impossible” which is the arguable highlight. It might be the most experimental and ambitious song. There are some abrupt changes that come at you fast but also some super slick grooves such as the one around the two-minute mark. 

​Masson has a singular sound and you can hear it on all of his albums. This is something I always push for artists to strive for. In this case he beautifully mixed his own unique style with a specific geographic region which truly makes it a world album. Recommended.

official website

bandcamp
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact