Symbiotica

Description

The self-titled, sole album by the American techno/ambient/world music project Symbiotica was released on Graceland Records in 1997, a division of Frontline Music Group, distributed by Diamante. The album was co-produced by Lanny Cordola, Gary Thomas Griffin and Chuck Wright and mixed by Gary Thomas Griffin. Featuring exotic sounds of the koto, bazuki, flute, duduk, melodica, and the extraordinary vocal styles of Sandra Stephens, Kai, Lamya, Lygia, and Ann Brown.

If I had looked at this carefully, I probably wouldn’t have bought it. The name made them sound like a techno band so I bought it. Then I noticed it was produced by Lanny Cordola, Gary Thomas Griffin, and Chuck Wright. These guys were doing Shack of Peasants last I heard of them. I’m not fond of compilations plus there’s a big difference between blues and techno. What had I bought? I gingerly put the cd in, hit the play button, and waited. The sound of bells hit my ears, then a techno beat, a little world music, and then a heavenly female voice. Wow! Many musicians have tried to recreate themselves with a new sound. Few have succeeded. These guys have! Jeff Johnson, David Fitzgerald, and Iona fans watch out!

The liner notes state “From the deepest pores of being comes the enigmatic symbiosis, the deep cerebral longing for love and unity, to fill the void with God’s love, the symbiotic love for all creation.” It probably comes as close as anything to describing this sonic treat. You’ll find flutes, guitars, oboes, duduks, clarinets, kotos, bass, drums, and, well I think you get the idea. All blend together perfectly to form the world music of Symbiotica. The vocalists are never named but when present, they serve to enhance the music with songs from «Chemical» to «My Father’s Cross».

Ready for something new and exciting? Try this. It will convince you that Christians don’t have to make second class music. I’ve told the editor that I’d never give an album a five unless it “walked on water,” but this is about as close as you can get. [Shari Lloyd, The Phantom Tollbooth, 1997]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/symbiotica/386093564)

CD tracklist:

01. Bells Of The Ascension – 0:34
02. Missionary – 4:11
03. Wilderness Call – 5:58
04. Tai He Dian – 2:28
05. Space For Rent – 3:32
06. Chemical – 8:04
07. My Fathers Cross – 3:46
08. Le Recherche – 7:38
09. The Awakening – 0:46
10. March Of The Most Holy – 2:54
11. Only God Knows – 3:39
12. Bells Of The Ascension (Reprise) – 1:49