Lamp Of The Universe: Acid Mantra 2009 + The Inner Light Of Revelation 2015

 

Lamp Of the Universe is the solo project from Datura Bassist and vocalist Craig Williamson. It is a

formidable modern mix of pysch "raga" folk with spacey rock elements. In its great variety the music offers astonishing acoustic guitar parts, exotic sitar "raga" scales, "tabla" percussions and "acid" heavy, bluesy rock guitars. Formed in 1999, Lamp of the Universe is a acid folk / psychedelic / space rock band from New Zealand.
                              

A more diverse and rocking set of tunes, but still with that well known Lamp Of The Universe sound. A

fusion of otherworldly lysergic vibes with a heavy rock element. Catchy tunes with a nod to the ever inspiring Beatles, and heavier sounds, bending the unwritten rules of psych. An expanded bigger sound enhances things greatly also this time around. All instruments and vocals by Craig Williamson.
                            

Minimal "drone" bass lines alternate with fuzzy, sometimes aggressive psychedelic waves. This rather

"cosmic" musical ensemble is without moderation a nice discover. It is a must for fans of Amon Duul II, Pink Floyd and classical raga style. The combination between the genres is well defined, providing a freak out journey throw eastern vibes.
                          

Many albums have been recorded under this name, notably the highly recommended "Echo in Light"

(an insistent and beautiful marriage between exotic, celestial harmonies and deep psych rock sounds), "The Cosmic Union" ("trippy" sounding heavy rock jams) and "Heru" (meditative sitar "drone" effects). All these albums have been released around 2001/05, notably published by "Cranium Music".

LAMP OF THE UNIVERSE - THE INNERLIGHT OF REVELATION 2015

                                    

Ushering in the ninth full-length proper, the air is damp and melancholic. An acoustic guitar scrapes through the gloom. That characteristic voice contemplates gently. Periodic gongs splash and percussive

palms pick up the pace. Pacing is key. This is the gateway. It’s truly remarkable how a solitary soul can tap into the universal whole and another reality pours forth. Enter the mystical “God of One” whose presence is both bigger and a little swifter. A stronger drum pattern underlines the urge to proceed. With deep bass rhythms, graceful lead guitar, spacious sitar and angelic synths, the celestial climb continues ever upwards. “The Guiding Light” illuminates the way.
                                

Shimmering with acoustic hues, the shift in vocal tone soothes. Breathe out. The mellow lead a glimpse

of sensory bliss to come. Then the ritual drums of “Levitation” rumble and echo, confirming that the ceremony is now in full swing. But the height of this vast temple hall is barely fathomable even with the burning torches that flank the walls. The energy is infectious. More compelling than the light. The trance deep. The swaying body, your own, as the spirit soars to the peak…
                              

Grounded by a “Utopian Seed” all is calm. Welcome waves come. Soothing. Caressing. They wash.

They nourish. The spell fades. The shell gives way. The “Ancient Path” resonates as strings ring out. Sitar and voice sing in unison. The way is clear. The sand warm and soft. “Beyond the Horizon” the plucking continues. The staccato strokes inspire a brief march to the journey’s end. Here the cyclic strings scrape at buried memories. Melodious keys set to a spritely step. “Celestial Forms” have willed you home. The air is fresh. Contentment reigns. A real masterpiece of neo-Psychedelic sounds.
                              

Lamp Of The Universe – The Inner Light Of Revelation
Label: Astral Projection – AST012
Format: CD, Album
Country: New Zealand
Released: Mar 24, 2015
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Ethereal, Folk, Space Rock

TRACKS

01. Trance Of The Pharaohs    5:44
02. God Of One    8:51
03. The Guiding Light    3:58
04. Levitation    6:35
05. Utopian Seed    7:56
06. Ancient Path    5:39
07. Beyond The Horizon    3:07
08. Celestial Forms    8:44

MP3 @ 320 Size: 117 MB
Flac  Size: 328 MB

LAMP OF THE UNIVERSE - ACID MANTRA 2009

                          

The blending of acoustic and electric guitars, mellotrons, drones, the subcontinental instrumentation,

banjo and Williamson's wispy vocals as presented on Acid Mantra means that the shroom-worship has taken on new dimensions previously unknown to Lamp of the Universe. Lamp of the Universe (aka Craig Williamson) creates an early 70's styled psychedelic eastern hippy acid folk music for the body mind and spirit.
                              

Interestingly it's the most 'song oriented' album since 'Earth, Spirit & Sky' and probaly the most diverse

since the aforementioned 'Echo In Light'. Accoustic guitars, sitars, beauitful fragile vocals, fuzz guitar, mellotron and a whole range of exotic instruments blend together to create a cosmic atmosphere of the highest order!
                             

Lamp Of The Universe – Acid Mantra
Label: Astral Projection – AST006
Format: CD, Album
Country: New Zealand
Released: Apr 7, 2009
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Psychedelic, Ethereal, Folk, Space Rock

TRACKS

                  

01. Love Eternal    5:48
02. Searching For A Sign    6:20
03. Astral Planes Of Knowing    9:25
04. Into Dhyanna    7:47
05. Our Journey    8:48
06. Freedom    4:19
07. Universe Within

MP3 @ 320 Size: 124 MB
Flac  Size: 300 MB