Review: Lamp Of The Universe ‘Existence Of The Self’
My introduction to the extraordinary soundscapes crafted by Craig Williamson, known as Lamp Of The Universe, a true psych-acid folk alchemist and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Hamilton, New Zealand, arrived serendipitously through his 2014 split album on Clostridium Records.
This particular release also featured the remarkable talents of another esteemed gentleman, my friend and fellow experimental psych-rock multi-instrumentalist, the late Fabio Cecchi, aka Trip Hill, whose untimely passing cast a profound shadow over the Florentine independent underground music scene.
The intersection of these two unique sonic visionaries on that single note not only unveiled a unique talent in Williamson but also served as a poignant reminder of Cecchi’s enduring creative and invaluable spirit.
Discovering the way Lamp Of The Universe delivers his inner thoughts through his psych mantra-raga effervescent sound sparked in me, as it often does when I find a talented artist, an exciting urge to learn more about the musician who has captured my heart. Without even realising it, I had missed out on more than eight albums, stretching back to his first release in 2001. Each note felt like a step into a new world, which brought a sense of calm and healing I had never experienced in such a way before. It was, and still is, like entering a serene space where it’s easy to find emotions.
Albums like The Cosmic Union, Acid Mantra and Transcendence seemed to flow into each other seamlessly, delivering his gift that speaks to me on a spiritual level. His skill with various instruments, which also includes the sitar, reveals the enchanting beauty hidden within the melodies delivered by his poetic and warm voice that lingered in my mind for a long time, just like a never-ending otherworldly soundtrack.
Williamson‘s recent musical journey has consistently been immersed in realms of introspection, particularly through albums designed to complement the practice of healthy thinking. This mind-exploring intent was beautifully evident in works like The Akashic Field and Kaleidoscope Mind, each carefully constructed soundscape guiding us toward inner stillness. Further expanding this sonic exploration was the truly magical and hypnotic experimental collaboration with Scott Heller, aka Dr Space of Øresund Space Collective, an immersive experience crafted explicitly for absorption in praise of learning to organic meditation.
a sonic journey that blends with the quest for self-discovery and inner peace…
Now, three years on from these introspective voyages, Williamson makes a compelling return with Existence Of The Self, marking his nineteenth full-length album and his third significant release for Greece’s Sound Effect Records. The album gently reveals itself with the first note of Sceptre Of Healing, an exquisite journey into psychedelic acid folk that immediately establishes a deeply immersive atmosphere. Its essence is woven with the enchanting dance of a wonderful flowing flute, whose notes seem to drift like mist through ancient groves, while beneath this melodic current, the vibrating sitar hums with a mystical resonance as intricate tabla raga beats lay down a rhythmic foundation that feels ethereal. Together, these elements conjure visions of a serene night, a peaceful hippy gathering where the gentle whispers of nature intertwine seamlessly with human harmony.
The combined sonic landscapes of Ship Of Eternity and Mantra Waves create an undeniably captivating immersive listening experience, drawing our mind into a realm of profound musicality and spiritual resonance. On Ship Of Eternity, an overwhelming, friendly, and lively atmosphere immediately takes hold, intricately woven with the mystical warmth emanating from the tabla, the exquisitely harmonious sound of the sitar, and the expansive, almost sacred resonance of the keyboard, each element contributing to its unique charm.
Seamlessly, this vibrant energy gives way to the incredibly captivating Mantra Wave, where a slow, galloping rhythm underpins a hypnotic, cosmic, and distinctly oriental-psychedelic soundscape. His voice becomes a gentle guide, lulling us into an ethereal mantra-raga journey that feels akin to a heartfelt hymn of nature, one that not only stands out but expansively unfurls in all its healthy, vibrant beauty. These two masterful compositions transcend mere sonic pleasure, culminating in a transcendent and unforgettable journey that moves you on a profound, spiritual and emotional level.
Embarking on a magical voyage, the album unfolds a rich musical climate, appropriately shaped to guide us through realms of vibrant psychedelic folk and spiritual introspection. From its very first notes, Into The Light immediately transports one into a colourful, Donovan-esque world, echoing the whimsical atmosphere of Hurdy Gurdy Man with its healthy, bright psychedelic folk balladry, woven through vibrant, delicate guitar melodies. As the spirit expands, one is irresistibly captivated by the album’s central psychedelic atmosphere, which feels elegant, warm, and utterly transcendental, lifting the body into a truly heavenly state.
Finally, the journey culminates with the profound Arkkadian Ritual, an Arcadian evocation where the harmonious blend of keyboards and sitar, coupled with the comforting warmth of Williamson‘s voice, emanates a truly celestial, esoteric, and divine sound, meticulously crafted to purify the soul from any intrusive evil spirits. Through these meticulous soundscapes, the album offers a complete inner journey, from vibrant earthly enchantment to ethereal purification.
Existence Of The Self is a hymn to astral spirituality, at the utmost desire of being freed of negative sensations and perceptions. With his new offering, Williamson continues a profound artistic thread, deepening his long-standing commitment to a sonic journey that blends with the quest for self-discovery and inner peace.
Label: Sound Effect Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
