Yaman (From the album “Devotional” by The Lord & Petra Haden)
In incense air
Uniting the fracture
an inferno of Knowing
at the deepest root
counter melodic interplays
in towering ocean waves
***text for Yaman by Ian Astbury
Inspirations for Devotional came from deep listening to Indian classical music (“a loose metal-head caveman interpretation of the Indian modal scale,” comments Anderson), as well as a fascinating look at the chaotic and unbelievable life of Ma Anand Sheela and the Rajneesh community. Anderson elaborates, “I’ve had an overall fascination with religious cults all my life, in particular the complete sacrifice of self and surrender to a particular belief or being, person… trying to decipher why someone does that and trying to imagine what must be in their head when doing so. The only thing I can possibly equate is how I feel about music; creating it performing it. I try to channel what I think that feeling is into my playing and definitely in the creation of the music for this album.” He continues, “Growing up in the Pacific Northwest (especially in the 80’s), I would see what appeared to be hippies all dressed in purple around the University of Washington area passing out literature and having deep philosophical discussions with people. I wanted to know who they were and what they were about. At that time, I wasn’t able to learn much other than some unsavory, controversial news stories that made it to our local news station. A few years ago, an incredible documentary (Wild, Wild Country) about the Rajneesh, Baghwan/Osho and Ma Anand Sheela came out and I devoured every episode of it… a few times. I was again fascinated by their complete and total devotion to one person (Osho) and his philosophies. The devotees seemed completely and utterly blissful, in a complete state of nirvana. Ultimately the story has a very dark, sinister twist to it and in some ways that is an appropriate analysis of the music of the album as well. The contrast of serenity and darkness.”
All psalms written by Greg Anderson
Vocals & Violin by Petra Haden
Guitars, Bass, & all other sounds by The Lord
Recorded 2020 &2021 at Sea Grass Studios, Valley Village,CA.
Engineer: Brad Wood
Produced by Greg Anderson & Brad Wood
Mixed & Mastered by Brad Wood
https://thelordsl.bandcamp.com/album/devotional https://southernlord.com/band/the-lord/
https://orcd.co/ylenqx2