Kavus Torabi’s musical ‘journey’ has seen many twists and turns, through his work with Monsoon Bassoon, Cardiacs, Chrome Hoof, Gong and a host of other projects. Always the iconoclast, he has followed a path that turns and twists without any ‘plan’. He has been described as a ‘Psychedelic Polymath’ with much of his music derived from LSD trips. He credits psychedelics with rewiring his mind in a positive way and his music has a strong influence thereof.
This is his third solo album and his first since moving to Glastonbury in 2024.
The music is incredibly dense, heavily layered vocals, drones and piano figures all presented with a compressed dynamic that is hugely difficult to penetrate. Themes almost seem to appear without reason and few obvious instruments are used. However, persevere, and the themes and musical notes become clearer. It is music of real depth and beauty, and repetition draws the listener deeper and deeper into its intricacies and soul.
There is whimsy and joy here, and little touches of a questioning nature. It has elements of the Canterbury scene as well as reminding me a little of XTC. Not obvious or simple, it is enormously rewarding if you give it the time.
