TZOMBORGHA

This album has a lighter sound than the other duo releases with Sasaki, "Vrresto" and "Pallaschtom." It is quite a difficult listen, but the overall effect is of a fleet and dextrous trip through alien worlds. Somehow less heavy than the two previous outings (yet using similiar instrument effects and techniques), yet just as complex (maybe more) and intense, I got the exhilarating feeling of Ruins once again embarking on a journey to new territory. I actually do find that the music goes well with the clear blue skies, complex archicture, and overall shimmering clarity of the album's cover graphics. I would say that this is possibly the most accessible release of the edition of the band that features Sasaki. The last two tracks (disregarding the almost superfluous medleys) are amazing. "Chittam Iraangayo" is a cover of song by L. Shankar, the Indian Classical violin player, and it is beautifully executed. The title track is another one of Ruins' epic journeys, but marked by more melodicism than in the past. However, those insistent on a super hard, heavy approach would likely prefer "Pallaschtom." Anyone way into the music on this CD, at this point, though, should probably own both.