KIN ZA ZA: N1 in Shambala

Kin Za Za

N1 in Shambala

© 2002 Kin Za Za (820482000127)

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Ultimate blend of Ultra Age, Cinematic Folk, Trip Hop, Ambient and World; beautiful and dreamy. ballads. Kin Za Za is an Award Winning Duo.

tracks

1 The River
2 Spirit That Left
3 Endless Freedom
4 When You Arrive
5 Somewhere
6 Mirror
7 I Am a Dance
8 Blackbird
9 Falling
10 Mid Knight
11 Elation
12 Story

notes

Number 1 in Shambala is issued in a 10-panel CD-Book, featuring beautiful photography, poetry and conceptual texts by Kin Za Za + ACOUSTIC SINGLE "SAY IT" ON THE ADDITIONAL CD!

Media feedback:
Kin Za Za is celebrating #2 TOP 100 Recordings of 2003 NewAge Reporter. Kin Za Za was also listed #2 in WCH Radio's TOP 25 songs for 2003

*****Ambientrance*****:
Extraordinarily high production!...
Shuffling rhythms and assorted jangling, pulsing strings are teased by synthetic wraiths and Jozy's rich singing when the river flows into the interstitial groove of "spirit that left" (0:32) then into the flavorful melancholia-laced beauty of endless freedom.

Soft "somewhere" could almost be an a cappella radio-ready ballad, though beyond its hushed refrains, ghostly entities wriggle before evolving into a subtle musicality. Multi-tracked vocals create the entrancing self-chorus which reflects from "mirror" (4:39). elation exemplifies the best of Kin Za Za's craftiness... subtle- though-compelling beatronics pulse beneath teasingly light instrument sounds (here strings, synths, piano and even accordion) and phantasmal whiffs of textural vagueness as Jozeyeland's voice dances liltingly.

If you like the Sarah-McLachlan-meets-Delerium brand of arty electronic grooves, definitely check out these stylish stunners...

*****ICI***** 13 June 2002
Out of nowhere this duo of Montreal goldsmiths have produced a little jewel of an album that will capture the hearts of all lovers of Celtic tones. They speak of rivers, of secret dances, and forgotten stories that resurface through the power of love... the production is very rich and the voice of the singer Jozy is used to great effect. Melodically the sound is somewhere between Sarah McLachlan and Loreena Mckennit or Rose Chronicles, and it will send you to the same spheres, though the structure here is more open and the captain of the ship, Dimitri, seems able to navigate any depths. Contemplative and beautiful. (ÉT)

*****Kin Za Za - Number One in Shambala*****
*****Review by Ear Medicine ::*****

At the heart of this album is a cluster of intriguing melodies and harmonies, played with great attention to the detail of the slow, asymmetric patterns that characterize modern Ambient-Folk. Innovative and engrossing, this musical mosaic recreates the journey of a soul over "The River" that connects life and death. Each song is a different snapshot of this journey delivered with Kin Za Za's uniquely contemplative quality. This is a masterly work: mesmeric in the restless shifts and slides of its theme, unstoppable in its streaming and transparent intensity. When the band is as good as this, there's nobody you can directly compare them with. But it's not unreasonable to bracket Kin Za Za alongside Tory Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Delirium, Dead Can Dance or even Peter Gabriel (Mirror) in terms of their overall energy, mood and musical/visual impact. However, as I mentioned above, Kin Za Za are definitely unique in their own right, and offer an impressive musical vision.

"#1 in Shambala" is a musical translation distantly derived from a "Tibetan Book of the Death". The duo has made of it something pleasingly old-fashioned, yet viscerally and sensually modern. The unobtrusive use of loops and samples in the band's work highlighted their inclination to explore the balance between the instrument's natural sonorities and electronic manipulations. The sound is infinitely layered, dense and yet transparent; numerous tracks of weaving, flirting melodic particles - bits of harmonium, cello, accordion, dripping piano, synths, and heavily chorused strings (I'm a dance) - share space with a vibrant, sparkling tide of acoustic guitar. Flying above it all are the vocals - pure, powerful and melodic. Dimitri's structural and harmonic depth and Jozy's vocal flexibility produced a stark and beautiful sonic sculpture. When implemented like this, it seems a unified emotional journey.

Another beauty of this album (DVD edition) is, the interaction of the sound and image: what you hear is almost impossible to separate from what you see. The link between music and videos never slackens. It comes as no surprise that Kin Za Za are obsessive filmmakers, a devourers of cinema history, and the generic inspiration for the bands name is Russian absurdist, sci-fi cult comedy "Kin Dza Dza".

12 songs comprising 50 min of sonic trip and there isn't a single second of music Kin Za Za can't be proud of. With a coating of light melodies revealing a colossal harmonic edifice, "#1 in Shambala" is smooth, soulful music for any generation. This is an album whose music lives in the mind, thanks to Kin Za Za's distinctive approach and outstanding production. This one goes straight into the list of my favorite albums of the year.

*****CFBV***** Smithers
Got the recent release of "Kin Za Za" in the mail today. I listened for about 45 seconds of the single the River....Then added it with in 4 minutes on to the play list...I was blown away by the quality of the music, voice and the power that they offer...So I played it for one of the DJ's and she loved it...
This is exactly what AC Radio was waiting for. Not since the power of Enya has a band or group come along with a great sounding tune. I expect great things to come from Kin Za Za. I can't wait to put the disk into my CD player at home and wear it out!!!
LOVE THE CD! LOVE THE ART! I HAVE FOUND MY NEW GROUP!!!
David Donnelly
Mid Day/ Music Director


*****CFCF12 TV*****
Organic...Rich...Impressive...Highly recommended.

*****CanEHdian.com*****
This album is recommended for anyone who appreciates beauty, wants a spiritual experience, enjoys a blend of traditional and modern sounds, or just wants to try something new. With such diversity, there is surely something to be found for those who choose to indulge. Whatever your tastes are, this pièce de resistance is a 'piece' that spells "irresistible".

*****Metropolitain***** 30 May 2002
...They're not a folk band, but they play acoustic instruments. They're not an electronic duo, yet they mix and twist samples like no one else. They're not filmmakers, yet they made more films then any other filmmaker... They have been mis-stylised by everyone from CD vendors to media critics... Kin Za Za is still a baby band, having made its debut only few months ago, but the story behind its cinematic/music rise is remarkable. Two humans/aliens who'd barely known each other recorded a debut album in their Montreal audio/visual lab, then filmed no less then 13 (35mm) videos, one of which (The River) shot straight into the top of Canadian TV charts. Few weeks after independently releasing an album in Canada and world wide on the net, they had offers from labels in Canada, Britain and the United States. But Kin Za Za decided to stay independent...

*****LE NET BLUES*****
We would like to recommend to you this musical experience. A very particular approach and vision entirely of its author...

*****TVA SALUT BONJOUR*****
Extraodinary...unigue...the most cinematic band on the planet earth...

*****CBC*****
Kin Za Za crafted super modern songs blending un-earthy lyrics with a dazzling array of samples and acoustic arrangements...
...#1 in Shambala is awesome...


*****George Zahora / Splendid magazine USA*****
The "future", far from being a place where everything is done for us, is rapidly evolving into a place where we'll be given the tools to do everything ourselves. For a band with the right mix of artistic skills -- like Kin Za Za -- it's a harmonic convergence of ability and opportunity, a chance to rise to the top of the heap without getting mired in the corporate rock structure.
Kin Za Za's music is ornate, elegant and layered -- a mixture of Celtic influences, folk-rock and seductive trip-hop that wisely emphasizes vocalist Jozy Fever's impassioned performance. Dimitri Soukonnov, the all-purpose svengali of the duo, assembles the duo's intricate tunes, and you can tell that he slaves over every second of every track -- everything, from piano to loops to samples, has clearly been tweaked and polished to perfection. Such is Dimitri's attention to detail that it comes as no surprise to learn he's also a filmmaker, responsible for the group's exquisite videos, which look exactly like the images that play in your mind's eye as you listen to their music.
This is not hard-edged music -- it's as soft and comfortable and womblike as a feather bed, and as dreamy and romantic as a fairy tale. Turning up the volume doesn't so much make it louder as increase the intensity of its emotions, and prolonged listening will induce a blissful swoon. If you enjoy early Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt and recent Delerium, add Number One in Shambala to your must-buy list. If you're a former goth girl with long, fussy, curly hair, a fondness for Arthurian legends and princess gowns, and a growing interest in New Age philosophy, you may well be required by law to buy it. Guys, meanwhile, may want to keep a copy on the nightstand, if you know what I mean.
Any single Kin Za Za song is gorgeous; all but the most hardened of curmudgeons will acknowledge the duo's artistry.

Think of Number One in Shambala as a beautiful crystal sculpture. Most people will admire it...

*****LUNA CAFE MUSIC REVIEW*****

Jozy Fever and Dimitri Soukonnov are Kin Za Za. Their debut album is an arresting affair. Drawing inspiration from a Jozy Fever and Dimitri Soukonnov are Kin Za Za. Their debut album is an arresting affair. Drawing inspiration from a number of different sources, they supply a mesmeric blend of electronica and Celtic folk music. Jozy Fever's sweet voice is at the centre of each song, surrounded by lush soundscapes.

The Sarah McLachlan-like "Endless Freedom" is carried by a mid paced groove and Jozy's vocalizing. The soft, cinematic "Somewhere" places vivid images in the mind with its evocative use of strings. "I am a Dance" is rhythmic but still kind of subdued. "Mid Knight" supports the titles' pun with a suggestive lyric. The folksy mood of the song is very well done.

It's an album that's very easy on the ears, but its also complex and beautiful.

Anna Maria Stjärnell

*****i-mockery.com MUSIC REVIEWS******
Somehow, Kin Za Za achieved what no other independent group has done quite so effectively: to sustain an uncompromising visual and sonic quality across entire album (DVD release) without any corporate intervention. It is full of deeply imaginative videos that is a joy to watch after the stupidity and sameness that clogs our TVs.

On close inspection "N1 In Shambala" is a radical evolution of the Ambient New Age music. Kin Za Za's structural freedom gives their songs a sense of dreamy narrative. Their production techniques transform acoustic arrangements, futuristic sampling and strong female vocals into spacious dimensions that conjure up childhood memories, unknown cultures, cosmic dreams and passionate sensuality. You're submerged into dense arrangements packed with thousands of melodic dialogs. But most impressive is the singers voice: lush, smooth, beautiful and powerful all at once. For me its her timber and musicality that captivates again and again. N1 in Shambala, connects with the old, deep and strange roots of classical and folk music, yet has a cutting edge lacking in the relaxing world of commercial new age music. In its reach, its profusion of meanings and perspectives it has something of the texture of the cosmos. This is a subtle and affecting album. Gorgeous!



READ MORE: WWW.KINZAZA.COM

reviews

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  • author: CD Baby

    I'm definitely not a fan of Loreena McKennitt but even I have to recommend this as a perfect marriage between her and Sara McLachlan. With a lulling electronic pop base that suspends you between Earth and sky, sweet, soaring vocals and danceable beats, this album will fit comfortably into your wardrobe of diverse musical needs as easily as well-worn blue jeans.

  • Dreamy
    author: Tim Lord

    This CD is a phenomenon. It has music that can't be described as anything other than a gift from God. With songs that range from something Sarah McLachlan or Dido would sing to celtic-style new age music, Kin Za Za has made themselves very versatile. The track The River is a inspiring piece that makes you want to get up and move with the music. This CD and group could only have a future of great fame ahead of them.

  • MY HIGH EXPECTATIONS ARE EXCEEDED!!
    author: Bud L

    After reading some good reviews, I really wanted to hear this CD. I wasn't disappointed. Kin Za Za is smooth, hip and melodic. Sultry and sensuous vocals overlay restrained, but richly textured and atmospheric instrumentals. I can't wait to hear more from them!

  • Definitely worth a shot.
    author: Scatter

    For a different flair different taste it's worth it.... The vocals and instrumentation are very well-founded. A definite pleasure to listen to.

  • Exceptional!
    author: SeldomHeardRadio

    Number One in Shambhala is the most stunning CD release I have discovered this year thusfar (2003) ... shimmering female vocals, beautiful instrumentation, mesmerizing songs and CD artwork that should win awards all by itself. Kinzaza should be Number One EVERYWHERE.

  • top notch
    author: Carol

    As of this writing, there are only four reviews on this album (mine included). How can this be? This is a stunning album, and one that would sell a bizillion if it were available on a big label that poured some marketing dollars into it. Since it's not, I've been providing some word-of-mouth marketing to my friends, one of whom bought a copy immediately after hearing mine and hasn't taken it out of her CD player yet. Rare is the album that doesn't have at least one or two tracks that I skip over. Every single track on this is a winner, and they're all distinct -- unlike many albums where the themes, rhythms, and especially percussion sound pretty similar throughout most tracks. My only complaint is that Kin Za Za has just one album out...

  • Holy cow. . . . . . Is it legal to be THIS good!?!?!?!?!?!?
    author: Chris Sarauer

    All I can say is. .. . WOW! This has been in HEAVY rotation since I got it. I've barely listened to one of the other discs I got in the same shipment, and the other ones haven't been opened yet. (No diss to those artists, either- they're probably stinking awesome, too). This is the CD for the world music fan that is tired of instrumental Latin as the only choice of world music. (No diss to Latin, either, just happy to find that style I've been looking for.) Beautiful vocals, intricate, trippy instrumentation, and DEEP, thick lyrics/songs. Like if Jeff Buckley played sitar. . . . . . . well, sorta like that anyways. A "Perpetual repeater" CD nonetheless!!!

  • I can listen to this album over and over...!!!!
    author: Liz Radford

    Kin Za Za, I can`t stop listening to them. It`s rare that I can sit through a one single CD but I can listen to this album (N1 in Shambala) infinite amount of times. It`s been my mission to turn on as many people to them. For those who haven`t heard them, give them a listen, its very dreamy but melodic and great imagination.

  • KinZaZa in my opinion is the greatest band-duo of the last two decades, pop or n
    author: Henry Listov

    Kin Za Za…Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....sounds good!!! I like Classical music, I like New Wave, I like some pop stuff, and I also like Tory Amos, Massive Attack, Coleman, Coltrane, Davis, etc., Bach, Mozart, and others, and I like some of King Crimson stuff that some people consider "sophisticated", but I also enjoy Bee Gees, some of ABBA stuff, The Beatles… I enjoy electronica, ambient, dub, funk, folk, experimental, and especially world music, and much more. My only contribution here: Kin Za Za in my opinion is the greatest band/duo of the last two decades, pop or no-pop, bar none. Their songs like “The River”, “Story”, “Black Bird”, and many others are work of pure genius. Kin Za Za is my musical idol!!!

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