Artists/ Producers - Chalam Mani and Raylan Cooper
Genre- Pop/ Folk
Location – Global (India & US)
‘Your Anthem’
A world away from the local talent of Essex, England, a
couple of singer songwriters have collaborated to create what you would call a
typical Sunday song. Stripped back just the way any good, soft folk song should
be, with deep and delicate vocals this song is an easy listen. Chalam Mani of
India had teamed up with Floridian singer-songwriter Raylan Cooper to produce
what can only be described as a ‘song for the world’. However cliché that may
sound, lyrically the song tells a story of world connection through race,
religion, wealth, geography and love.
Vocals thrown together with soft acoustic guitar, string
synthesizer, light drumming (possibly too synthetic sounding but you’ll get
over it!) and a cracking amount of bass, which cuts through the mass of treble
coming from cymbals, guitar and keyboards. The pair have managed to create a
track with appeal for many different generations. Sure it sounds something that
you’re grandparents would have their special dance to at their 50 wedding do,
but it’s not particularly offensive sounding and if this came on the radio
whilst you were washing up I can definitely see a few feet tapping whilst the
dishes bathe.
Admittedly when I first had a gander of ‘Your Anthem’ , I
did think: “This is not my cup of tea”. I like my tea strong and flavourful. Alas
after my second time round and actually listening to the inner meaning of the lyrics
and all the instruments merging together almost seamlessly I thought: “This is
what the world needs”. Music is one of the world’s biggest exports and through
a simple 3 minute 24 second long song; these musicians have managed to upload a
comforting song with meaning and pleasantness.
Originally I did confine myself to reviewing mainly local
music but having heard ‘Your Anthem’, a song that in so very few words says so
much about what the world needs, I had to pass on Chalam and Raylan’s work.
Now I wouldn’t feel completely comfortable publishing this
review without pitching in some extras which could help these budding musicians
in the future. The mixing of this piece isn’t completely spot on. A few times
in the song there are a few very minor transition issues for example: the drum
roll around the 1.30 mark. Unnoticeable to the untrained ear, but not to other
very picky musicians who can pick up its messiness. Also I’d say slightly too
much reverb on the vocals which can in parts flood the sound of the rest of the
track. Nevertheless, assuming this track was recording in some form of home
studio it’s not badly produced, and is available online to listen or download
from http://www.airplaydirect.com/music/raylancooper/
.
Head to the link and have a listen to the track even if you’re
just feeling a bit nosey. ‘The Anthem’ can lift your mood and is literally so
easy to listen to. Just give it a few run throughs if you’re unsure at first
and really listen to the lyrics. You may be enlightened.
So far, from our neighbours around the world, I’ve enjoyed
what I’ve been asked to review and I wish for others to hear what these guys
have to offer, as well as other songs from Raylan and Chalam!
Also feel free to have a browse through some of my other
reviews and share if you wish!
Cheers ACH Music Reviews!
Finished 27/08/2012
