Some bands make it ridiculously hard for themselves, in a commercial sense, no matter how good they are (and Geamala are exceptionally good). Experimental instrumental is really the only way to categorise this band, for those obsessed with genres, and it’s not going to appeal to the undemanding music punter. Not by a long shot. But, if bands like this are happy to purely produce and release their relatively obscure art, without appealing to the lowest common denominator or anything even resembling it, then many many props to them. Their art won’t make them rich, but boy, does it make a bold and meaningful statement.
For those with an open mind and slightly more developed musical tastes, this album is a wondrous journey across dark and eerie soundscapes. Ever-present is the subtle world-music feel, with the non-traditional instrumentation and vocal arrangements, but this is not a world music album. It is something quite unique and indefinable. Ambient, atmospheric, it’s like the weird (in the best possible way) soundtrack to some enigmatic and quirky Moroccan or Middle Eastern made movie.
In short, it’s an album that must be experienced. No real description can do it justice, you simply have to listen to it. But listen to it multiple times, to allow its idiosyncratic charms and graces flow over you, get under your skin and carry you away to dreamy, otherworldly places. One or two listens is simply not enough.
I get quite annoyed when I hear things like ‘there’s no good music around today’, and ‘only the old stuff is any good’, or ‘where’s the originality/innovation these days?’ Well, it’s right here, and if you bothered to open your eyes and ears and peer beyond the mainstream (and well beyond the mainstream, in this case), you’ll find true creativity in music. And Geamala is a fine place to start.
ROD WHITFIELD
