Prophetic ? Or Just Casting Around ?

Prophesy by Nitin Sawnhey is a very powerful and political album. Depending on my mood, it can reinforce my prejudices or irritate the hell out of me. It is basically an anti-technology record with the message developed world bad, developing world good. But it is packed with advanced recording techniques wholly reliant on the latest technology. It was recorded at various locations around the world at the expense of a pretty hefty carbon footprint. Crucially, it was recorded in early 2001 i.e. before September. Fundamental truths remain despite that event but the world subsequently must be viewed from that changed standpoint and allowances made for it. What of the music ? The album is a collage that runs together and mixes many genres; Indian, Latin, blues, rap, soul. Samples, found sounds and soundbites from unknowns and political heavyweights are scattered thoughout. Sunset, The Preacher, Street Guru, Prophesy itself are all impressive tracks. The playing and singing are outstanding apart from the irritatingly twee female vocals on a couple of the cod soul pieces ( Natasha Atlas is on the disk but don't think it's her, I think she handles the Sunset vocals ) Prophesy is Nitin Sawnhey's most complete work yet but I think he will better it eventually. He needs to use less of a scattergun approach though, eclectic is fine but unfocussed isn't.