Whoever said that “You can’t have your cake and eat it” probably hadn’t met Meditative Animal at the time. This Springvale, Maine, native has been a musical innovator for the longest and prides himself on his artistic prowess and versatility. Sitting atop the musical hierarchy as a deviation from the obvious and the customary, he shreds the very weight of indie folk rock and isn’t afraid to delve into unfamiliar territories, dipping his feet into jazzy, rocky, blues, hip-hop, and rap waters. This is one of the many ways that his music has been a source of refuge for those who possess diverse musical tastes.
Meditative Animal now invites listeners on a transformative musical journey with his latest album, “Metaphysical Sherpa: Dirty Fractal Sacrament.” A 16-track collection spanning 1 hour and 17 minutes, this ambitious work is not only a testament to Meditative Animal’s creative evolution but also a sonic exploration that defies convention in every possible way!
The release of this avant-garde album coincides with Meditative Animal’s ebook, “Metaphysical Sherpa: Misunderstood Mystic,” which provides a biographical glimpse into the artist’s life and creative process. The book offers fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the music, further enriching the album’s listening experience with personal insights and intriguing backstory.
“Metaphysical Sherpa: Dirty Fractal Sacrament” is a captivating blend of indie folk rock with unexpected twists and turns. While the foundation of the album lies in its folk rock structure, Meditative Animal infuses it with elements of hip-hop and blues, with debut rap tracks like “Lap Dance (Behind the Poles)” and “Aftermath (Oh My Rappah’s Sanity)” creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivates the senses. The music flows with a certain fluidity, with each track seamlessly leading into the next while maintaining a unique character.
The album’s collaborators, such as Chris Plummer, Grammy nominee G Love, John Dixon Mirisola, and Rafael Hendrix, just to mention a few, add an extra layer of flair and depth, enriching the sound with their stylistic contributions. This collaborative spirit enhances the album’s eclectic nature, offering a diverse array of musical textures and rhythms. The result is a distinctive flavor that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
I loved a lot of jams here, one of which was “Soul Reckoning” featuring Chris Plummer. Listen to it and tell me it’s not a soul warmer! That compelling blend of rhythm and melody is purely transcendental and makes you feel things that are indescribably beautiful. The music is very warm and inviting, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
The song “Soul Reckoning” necessitated that I listen to their other collaboration, “Bein’ It” which was a marvelous showcase of guitar strumming, providing the ideal backdrop for the emotive vocals. I love how the music is uniquely different but with instant appeal…get it?
The collaborative tour de forces “Lap Dance (Behind the Poles)” and “Aftermath (Oh My Rappah’s Sanity)” showcase rap excellence, with the latter hitting a listener right in the nostalgia. They are both memorable performances, with everyone involved bringing their A-game.
I love the first two tracks “TransceDance in the Rain (Greener)” and “Nuke The Sun” mostly for the colorful harmonica that ebbs and flows in between other soulful and lively (for the latter) instrumentals. The song structure achieved in both is what we call ingenuity, transporting a listener to another beautiful realm and allowing them to escape their worries, even if for those 12 minutes.
The poetic approach to songwriting showcased throughout this album, coupled with the avant-garde style, creates a listening experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
“Metaphysical Sherpa: Dirty Fractal Sacrament” is a groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of indie folk rock while maintaining a compelling narrative throughout. It is an album that invites listeners to explore the depths of their own consciousness and embrace the beauty of the unexpected. If you’re ready for a musical journey that challenges and inspires, this album is a must-listen.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique world of Meditative Animal. Stream “Metaphysical Sherpa: Dirty Fractal Sacrament” and delve into the avant-garde soundscapes that promise to leave a lasting impression.
The ebook “Metaphysical Sherpa: Misunderstood Mystic” is also available for order from your favorite online bookstore, like Amazon, with the exclusive audiobook available through sounded.com.
For more information, check out Meditative Animal’s official website: https://meditativeanimal.com.