Review of Ananta Govinda’s New Release: Mystical Awakening

There is a strange power in music–first, it binds you, as if it has the reins to everything that your being constitutes of, and then, it releases you into a totally different dimension. This power of transportation is an amazing tool for seekers and enthusiasts who want to escape into a mindful meditation, trying to dive deep into the realms of their minds and exploring what lies far within. And there can’t be a better rendition than what Ananta serves you with every song that he creates. Remember his last album? –Mirror of Desire? Yes, he is back with a two-track presentation–‘Mystical Awakening‘.

The two tracks explore the ancient Sanskrit mantras and take you a beautiful journey with mesmerizing instrumentation and vocal effects–the experience is dynamically peaceful.

Album Name: Mystical Awakening

Artist Name: Ananta Govinda

Total Time: 12:30

“Musical Exploration of Bhagavad Gita” opens with mystical sounds of the name of Krishna rendered by Gopi Kallayil before Ananta starts the opening couplets of Srimad Bhagwad Gita. Gopi also brings the Indian classical flavor with his flawless vocals in the middle of the song. He comes from a technical background, but the ease and poise with which he delivered the oriental flavor make it astonishingly joyful.

With the very first note of the saxophone, you will know that Scott Page owns it–like what brilliance he added to ‘Mirror of Desire’, he brings such an amazing passion to this whole project. And if your antennas are not already marking the spectrum to be full, you will be amazed to listen to the beautiful harmonies Paulette Penzvalto creates with her vocals and also the rendition of Latin prayers. I mean within a minute of the song, you will have an album-full of flavor fused together in such a masterful manner. I like this feature of Ananta’s music–there is so much to enjoy; so much effort to marvel at; so much intention poured in to give a wholesome experience to the listener.

The drums played with Ben Leinbach and the captivating bass effect provided by Jared May (you will definitely feel those deep mutations) make the whole track a stand-alone among many other Kirtan-style renditions.
Ronnie Ray plays the ambient guitars and the conch. While it calms your mind like a song from the Enigma Band, it rejuvenates you with its passion and removes the dullness. For over seven minutes, you partake in the joy that musicians might have experienced while creating such a wonderful piece.

The second track is “Gayatri Mantra for Peace”. As indicated from the name itself, it is the chant of the most popular mantra around the world–the Gāyatrī Mantra. The song is like a personalized version of your meditation time–soft, gentle and free of fanfare. Flows gently with a nice rhythm with harmonized chants of the Sanskrit mantra, and ethereal vocal effects of Paulette. She truly made it angelic! The way it melts with the sounds of the saxophone, you will feel like you have grown wings are riding the winds. The universal call ‘Let there be peace…‘ is embedded very effortlessly making it sound cool like jazz music.

Though I have listened to various styles and tempos in which these mantras and chants are sung across the country and the globe, I love the freshness the whole team has brought in these songs. Truly crossing the imaginary boundaries that one might have created, these songs let you enjoy the vibe and go with it. The finesse is clearly audible, and it carries the desired energy to transport you to another place. Kudos to the whole group!

I can’t wait to hear more!