Album Review: Delicate Flame of Desire by Karnataka

Album Name: Delicate Flame of Desire
Artist: Karnataka
Year/Label: 2003 / Immrama Records

[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

UK’s Karnataka’s new CD is quite interesting. The opening song sounds like a film score. I picture sweeping landscapes. At times they sound almost Celtic, with Rachel Jones’ lovely, haunting voice and layered orchestration.

Some of the tracks also have an edge of classic rock coming through with the wailing guitars and strong percussion.

The title track, “Delicate Flame of Desire” is a beautiful piece with piano being showcased toward the end. This song reminds me of Sarah McLachlan.

I also like “Out of Reach” and “Time Stands Still”.

This is a good veg out CD. It’s dreamy without being boring. Karnataka is another band I would like to see live.


Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Karnataka’s third album picks up where the last one, “The Storm”, left off and surpasses it. Their progressive rock sound is highly melodic and features Rachel Jones’ stunning lead vocal.

The amazing “Time Stands Still” has many intriguing moments and sterling musicianship from the band. The song’s grand, sweeping sound and Rachel Jones’ voice come together beautifully. The softer strains of the title track are also very appealing. Jones and Anne-Marie Helder harmonize well vocally. The song has a slight resemblance to Clannad.

“Strange Behaviour” is richly textured and flawlessly played. The songs mysterious lyrics support the strong melody.

“One Breath Away” is up tempo and almost funky with a loose, relaxed feel to it.

It’s a fine album in all and one that should appeal to a wide audience.

Posted on January 6, 2003

Track Listing
1. Karnataka
2. Time Stand Still
3. Delicate Flame of Desire
4. After the Rain
5. Strange Behaviour
6. The Right Time
7. One Breath Away
8. Out of Reach
9. Heart of Stone

[Karnataka Official Site]

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