Nima& Merge: Separate Worlds

After being completely captivated by the newest release from the Nima Collective, Songs Of Strange Delight (never has an album been so aptly titled), I've taken the plunge and investigated further, taking in both of the Nima & Merge albums, Merge and Separate Worlds.

With Separate Worlds, the mixture of World Music, Jazz, and Progressive Music (Rock doesn't quite cover it) that so captivated me on SoSD isn't quite so strong, however the jazzy flavours, which are beautifully poised are still produced by a huge array of unusual instruments. This factor in itself makes for a hugely entertaining and intricate journey through tightly constructed time changes and emotional highs and lows, while at the same time bringing a remarkably focused drive to the songs.

The likes of the Asian infused "Driven", the deeply atmospheric "Reng" (a reworking of a song from the band's debut album Merge) and "Kurdish Dance" where the clash of musical cultures comes strongly to the fore are carefully woven musical statements, which hit home subtly, but memorably. The album however builds towards its four part closing track "To Be Free", where the lilting themes and soaring melodies take you on a varied journey through music from all over the world, almost transcending genres and styles as it does it. Few acts can merge (excuse the pun) disparate themes and approaches so skilfully, blending them so effortlessly, but it all sounds so natural for Nima & Merge.

Separate Worlds is an evocative album that paints wonderfully bright pictures through its music, leaving you feeling refreshed and alive at its conclusion.

Track Listing
1. Fire Eyes
2. Road To Hana
3. Moon Struck
4. Driven
5. Once Loved
6. Never More
7. Kurdish Dance
8. Masaek
9. Reng
10. Ittf
11. To Be Free (Movement 1)
12. To Be Free (Movement 2)
13. To Be Free (Movement 3)
14. To Be Free (Movement 4)

Added: October 7th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Nima Collective
Hits: 2022
Language: english

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