A MEDITATION MASS

I didn't heard this one back when it was released and discovered it recently in the nice SVP/Brain digipack re-release with a beautiful cover (that apparently is worth some bucks with the first edition cut outs) and a good booklet. The only YATHA SIDHRA record was recorded in 1976 and produced by German Rock old- timer Achim Reichel. So much for the good news, the record is deceiving. The main problem is the lack of direction. The record presents one long track "mass of meditation parts 1-4" mixing ethnic rhythms, some repetitive bass lines, Rhodes and synth washes, heavily treated rock guitar, atmospheric flute and (approximate) jazzy drumming. The elements which may look interesting on paper doesn't sound so on the record. 40 minutes of pointless wandering through atmospheric soundscapes that lack any inner tension. Compared to bands like Popol Vuh, Tangerine Dream and Ash Ra Temple, presenting both great meditative and tense passages YATHA SIDHRA's record lacks both. Apparently their candlelight concerts have been great, but on the record the music just doesn't take off!