My Sleeping Karma / Moksha
Artist My Sleeping Karma
Album Title: Moksha
Album Cover:
Primary Genre Rock: Psychedelic Rock
Format CD
Released 06/29/2015
Label Napalm Records
Catalog No NPR 591
Bar Code No 8 40588 10264 8
Packaging Digipack
Tracks
1. Prithvi (6:29)
2. Interlude 1 (2:37)
3. Vayu (5:55)
4. Interlude 2 (1:45)
5. Akasha (6:13)
6. Interlude3 (1:48)
7. Moksha (9:37)
8. Interlude 4 (2:17)
9. Jalam (8:25)
10. Interlude 5 (2:22)
11. Agni (6:31)
Date Acquired 09/17/2016
Personal Rating
Acquired from Electric Fetus - Duluth
Purchase Price 14.99

Web Links

All Music Guide entry:
Discogs entry:
MusicBrainz entry:

Notes

Artwork – Sebastian Jerke
Drums, Percussion, Producer, Recorded By – Steffen Weigand
Guitar [Uncredited] – Matthias Vandeven
Keyboards [Soundboard] – Norman Mehren
Mastered By – Andreas Balaskas
Written-By – My Sleeping Karma (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Napalm Records Handels GmbH
Copyright ©) – Napalm Records Handels GmbH
Published By – Iron Avantgarde Publishing
Recorded At – Uncomfortable Silence
Recorded At – Mjusix Studio
Recorded At – Wasted Life Audio Studio
Recorded At – Songs Of The Century Studio
Mastered At – Masterlab
Barcode: 8 40588 10264 8
Label Code: LC 11368
Rights Society: Austro Mechana
Matrix / Runout: NAPALM RECORDS NPR591 AF88079-01 manufactured by optimal media GmbH
Mastering SID Code: ifpi L574
Mould SID Code: IFPI 9702
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foobar2000 1.3.9 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1
log date: 2016-09-27 01:01:15
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Analyzed: My Sleeping Karma / Moksha
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DR              Peak         RMS     Duration    Track
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DR8        -0.30 dB     -9.50 dB      6:29      01-Prithvi
DR10      -4.49 dB   -17.03 dB      2:37      02-Interlude 1
DR8        -0.30 dB   -10.39 dB      5:55      03-Vayu
DR10      -2.75 dB   -16.06 dB      1:45      04-Interlude 2
DR7        -0.30 dB     -8.54 dB      6:13      05-Akasha
DR14      -2.76 dB   -17.91 dB      1:48      06-Interlude 3
DR8        -0.30 dB   -10.47 dB      9:37      07-Moksha
DR11      -2.86 dB   -16.10 dB      2:17      08-Interlude 4
DR8        -0.30 dB   -10.58 dB      8:25      09-Jalam
DR11      -4.66 dB   -18.21 dB      2:22      10-Interlude 5
DR7        -0.30 dB     -8.95 dB      6:31      11-Agni
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Number of tracks:  11
Official DR value: DR9
Samplerate: 44100 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample:   16
Bitrate: 870 kbps
Codec: FLAC
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Reviews
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/67253/My-Sleeping-Karma-Moksha/

Review by Raul Stanciu:
3.6 : Great!

Review Summary: Stagnant, but their most enjoyable record in 7 years...

My Sleeping Karma are the perfect example of riff recycling machines. Undoubtedly, they are one of the most recognizable bands in the psychedelic rock genre, yet they have always managed to get away with constant rehashing. In a way, who can blame them? After releasing two spectacular, engaging records (probably the most renowned being Satya) and a good one (Tri), the guys have secured a deal with Napalm Records, which brought them to a whole new level of fame. As a result, I thought Soma was perhaps them playing safe to make sure their music fits every old and new listener. Nevertheless, if you take a look back, the band hasn't changed at all since their debut hit the shelves back in 2006. They have only perfected their formula and let the songs roll.

With their 5th offering, Moksha, in our hands (and computers), I can safely say the German quartet have finally released a worthy successor to Satya. Of course, nothing has changed sound-wise, only the riffs are catchier this time around. The title track is arguably the most beautiful cut here with its mournful piano line and the accompanying gentle, high-pitched guitar leads. The lovely melody is often disrupted by heavy segments that remind us how easily and smooth can they jump from one end of the spectrum to the other. Also, the latter half of the record, ending with 'Jalam' and 'Agni' bring forth the riffs, contrasting the lush, atmospheric openers, 'Prithvi' or 'Vayu'. Each instrument adds a lot to the whole, but the keyboards are usually the ones that manage to augment the tune most. I praise the balance in their approach, yet it all ends up a bit too tight. Even though it's not My Sleeping Karma going through motions like previous affairs did, Moksha is quite stagnant as well and sadly, doesn't feel the need to expand at all. The interludes are the closest these guys have come to experimentation, it's like they're afraid to explore new paths.

The weird thing is that I find myself complaining yet once I listen to their music I get totally drawn in their universe. Taken out of context, Moksha is excellent, however, once you put it together with the rest of the albums, it loses a few points. Like I mentioned, if they had developed those interludes into tracks, this would've been a small but significant step outside their comfort zone. Unfortunately, those teasing segments are only gateways to the next chapters that you've already heard many times before. Nevertheless, in order to continue enjoying their stuff, I have to give up and accept the fact that these guys will most probably continue to churn the same tunes more or less. So, fewer expectations, more fun, I guess. Still, if you're only looking for a new My Sleeping Karma album to chill out to, this will be a perfect addition to your collection.

Cover 1
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Cover 5