"Okay, first of all, before you can understand Shpongle, you have to understand what they represent. They are one of the greatest psychedelic bands in the world. They tour extensively in Asia and Europe, where they have a much stronger following than they could ever develop in America. They are strong proponents of the DMT movement, expansion of consciousness, and psychedelia in general. If you aren't into tripping, you will probably find something ignorantly to complain about when listening to them. This music was written by psychonauts, for psychonauts. It is NOT for everyone. They create vast and complex soundscapes that will only fully make sense to someone who's experienced what they have. Every song is an esoteric masterpiece, and in my opinion they are the very best at what they do. There is not another band in the world that sounds even close to Shpongle. They are one of the few electronic bands that incorporates piano and guitar so often and so beautifully into their music. So if you are into electronic music, and the psychedelic movement at all, you need to hear this album ASAP! It will give you so many ear-gasms you'll be dripping wet and loving it. Listen to this album first, before you hear their others. It is the most diverse and beautiful. HAVE FUN GETTING SHPONGLED!"
Much more than a mix
Eclectic Electric | Washington, DC | 09/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mind-boggling and delicious, myraid stylistic forms, beauty, grace, smooth transitions. Beyond most anything currently on the electronica market. Listen again and again, you will not get bored. Unrivaled genius with a taste for the unfathomable."
Creative excellence.
Aaron Lance | Scottsdale, AZ USA | 09/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Electronic/dance/trance/ambient/psytrance/... these are just labels. What they've created is (again) uniquely Sphongle.
"Nothing Lasts, But Nothing is Lost" is a syncretic blend of traditional and creative styles. It is the product of nothing short of genius.
"
- A Mental Journey -
SonneSolaris | Pittsburgh, PA | 04/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had obtained this CD a few months ago, and had enjoyed greatly a few songs here and there that reminded me to some extent of older shpongle/posford tunes. BUT, having just listened to this CD all the way though, I felt the need to write something up.
The beauty of this CD comes from listening to it as a whole, not skipping track by track. From beginning to end, it takes you on a mental journey that frankly, is hard to parallel without hallucinogenics.
But seriously, the ups, the downs, the subtle sound bytes, the world music mixed in with sometimes vaguely danceable beats blew my mind. Really, if you own this CD, but don't enjoy it, try listening to it all the way through, just once. If your opinion doesn't change, I would be surprised. If you don't own it, seriously consider it - as a whole it is nothing short of a masterpiece that will take you on a journey that will open your mind's eye."
One of THOSE Rare albums...
D. Gerry | Los Angeles, CA United States | 11/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of those records, like Art of Noise - In Visible Silence, or Eno/Byrne - My Life...it suggests new possibilities and approaches that have not yet been explored fully. It is also very good music. All in all - a well-composed, manic, psychedelia-tinged global acid-house mashup of epic staying power.
Fantastic acoustic playing and dreamstate vocals collide with custom digital manipulations, and are whipped up together into a luscious storm of sound and groove.
It's not a bunch of great 'songs'. There's plenty of those already. What we have here is a series of intoxicating rhythms and harmonies in complementary modes of energy.
Highly Recommended for the musical adventurer in you."