Ha!ManSkepping 7 reviewed by Patrick Gary I'm not sure if anyone really remembers 2nu, the experimental music group from the 1990s with one hand firmly in neo-electro and the other in the ancient art of storytelling. If you were lucky enough to find them and experience Ponderous or Frank's Chair then you already understand how a picture can be painted purely through artful word selection, well performed acoustic instruments, and synthesized music and effects to fill in the gaps.
Evidently Ha!Man was one of the lucky ones. This recording seems to be a very artful blending of the nearly visual soundscaping that 2nu pioneered blended with one of the most familiar texts of the last 5000 years. Skepping 7 is the Genesis creation story from Genesis 1 read and musically illustrated with cello, recorded animal sounds, and synthesizer. The biblical text is read as the music plays out, dramatically illustrating the words. Each day of creation is represented by a simple leitmotif played on the cello. This builds a musical framework for the other instruments to work in, with each successive day being fuller, more energetic, and richer. The original intent was for the music to be played with a multimedia presentation, and I'm sure that for many this would enhance the presentation. However the music seems fully realized and complete without images or video. Each "day" sounds distinct from every other "day" but builds on the sounds that were previously introduced. The overall effect is somewhat exhilerating and wonderfully crafted. That said, this isn't traditional songwriting. This album is not for the fan of the 3 minute pop song. The music is much closer to a film score than to any song form that your average music fan would recognize. Some of the pieces resemble meditation music while others would make appropriate music for children's playtime. It is a rarity. The music is solidly composed, performed, and produced. The audience is likely to enjoy the final product if they are open to it. Really, this is an album that can take a listener on quite a trip. It's definitely recommended. Intro [3:02]
Day 1 [5:17]
Day 2 [7:07]
Day 3 [9:57]
Day 4 [9:53]
Day 5 [11:18]
Day 6 [14:35]
Day 7 [9:07]
TOTAL DURATION: 70:20
Recording notes: All aspects of recording created by the HA!Man except cello and voice recording done by private party in Somerset West
Available through www.hamanworld.com | 