S.E.V.A., which stands for "Spirit Evolves Via Awareness" is the musical collaboration between Matthew Fowler (aka Mumbles) and Dahvin Bugas (aka Gone Beyond). Their sound on this self-titled album is an eclectic mix of world elements, hip-hop beats and drum-based jazz inspired by religion, philosophy, meditation and devotional music. Utilizing obscure rhythms, textures, and melodic loops, they have created a rare sound that doesn't simply emulate its influences, this album shows S.E.V.A. have been honestly inspired by them. For those contemplative, meditative moments be sure and check out "Suspended Animation," "The Eternal Self-Knowledge," "The Tides of Titan," "Love & Devotion," and "Soul Surgery." When you need something a little more assertive, but still want a laid-back, Middle Eastern-Downtempo-Jazz flavor, try "In The Tiger's Mouth" and "Stonehenge." There are a couple tracks accompanied by spoken-word: "Spirit Evolution" voice of Swami Akshara, "The Eternal Self-Knowledge" voice of Swami Paramatmananda, and "Sun Shining/Eclipsed" a satsang with Gangaji. S.E.V.A.'s sound is mostly instrumental, at times experimental in its arrangements, and always honest about the sounds that influence them. There is a spirituality here but it's not personified by "mystical synth sweeps." Recommended for music lovers looking for a near-Eastern inspired, jazzy, downtempo sound that's not too Eastern and not too Western. - Properly Chilled
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1XLP/Out Of Print