aswekeepsearching is a refreshing cleanse to the aural pallet. Their latest offering is entitled Zia (Flowers Blossom in the Space).  Zia is mostly instrumental with some uplifting vocals from Uddipan Sarmah strewn throughout like wildflowers in a field. The band hails from India and sing in Hindi. To be reductionist, it’s “world music”. So if that’s a genre you dig, then Zia is a perfect album for you.

Personally, I loathe the term “world music” and the pretentiousness it entails. I dub aswekeepsearching’s Zia as a soundtrack to the film of freedom and life. The music is sweeping vistas and flower petals and pollen on the wind. It’s linens on the washing line fluttering in the breeze. It’s Wade Robson’s ‘Burning Room’.  There is a flow to everything on this album. It has an earthbound ethereal quality to it. I say earthbound as the imagery it brings forth is of the outside; fields, trees, beachfront, cliffs, flowers, and wild horses.

‘Kalga’ is one of the few songs with vocals. It’s plaintive and moving. It’s like a punch in the gut. Oh, the feels. Uddipan’s guitar work is intertwined with Shubham Gurung’s to produce something that brings tears to your eyes. You have no idea what is being sung, but you know it’s a deep to the core sadness. On the opposite spectrum, ‘Hope Unfolds’ is uplifting and full of hope. Uddipan’s vocals are soothing. They massage the consciousness.

Zia is not an album to play and listen to lightly. It’s a moving tome that needs to be caressed and reflected upon. Zia is perfect for meditation and yoga. Zia is perfect for contemporary dance. Zia is perfect for kata. aswekeepsearching produced an album in Zia that is rich in texture and cinematic in nature.

8.5 / 10

VICTORIA ANDERSON