Music Review: Alchemy, By Allan Vilhans Cargo Cult

     The compact disc ALCHEMY, by Cargo Cult, is a work of art which soars above
the world like a Thunderbird, leaving in its wake a literal explosion of
orderly and enlivening electronic sound.  Like the Thunderbirds of old, the
music of Allan Villhans CARGO CULT creates vivid and enthusiastic emotion,
sure to have a positive effect on anyone who comes within hearing range of
it.

     This music teaches the soul.

     From the first song: Entry, to the last: Wed, and everything in between,
your speakers are going to vibrate in ways they never have before!  The
length, breadth, and width of this music is astounding and exceptional,
creating an aura of sound that will surround the listener, and, dare we say,
enrapture them as well?  Alchemy is well named, because if ever there was
such a thing as Audio Alchemy, this is it.

     Some reviewers note the eastern influences evident in the music of Cargo
Cult, but what shines through absolutely is the unfettered and natural
talent of Allan Vilhan, a self-taught musician and songwriter, originally
from Slovakia, now living in London, England.

     Mr. Vilhan is only in his early 30's, though he is already an accomplished
and experienced musician.  From 1989-1992 Allan was the bass guitarist in
the rock band Stirba, and he also played the keyboard in the
alternative-rock band Navara (2000).  He began composing his own music in
1998, and he performs all instrumentation on his albums, including guitar,
bass guitar, keyboards, programming, and vocals.  Some collaboration is now
taking place as new member Keith Gould assists with certain of Cargo Cults
music and vocals.

      The music of Allan Vilhan has been called many things: Electronica, Dance,
Trip-Hop, Ambient: even Beat Driven Pop, whatever that might be....the fact
of the matter is this:  Allan Vilhans' Cargo Cult is a refreshing break from
formula music, with an intricacy all its own.  The songs of Cargo Cult,
without fail, are Audio Tales, each a unique story and complete work in
itself.  Citing influences as diverse as Primus, Tangerine Dream, Depeche
Mode, and Sound Garden, Cargo Cult does well in creating its own distinct
and interesting sound, within our world of sound.

     To begin learning about Cargo Cult, start with Alchemy, and go from there.
You will not be disappointed.  It will make you want to dance.  A great
gift, from a great talent.


Track List

CD -- Alchemy, (ACM Records) by Cargo Cult  (2nd Place at Just Plain Folks
Music Awards 2004, in category "Best Electronic Album 2004")


1. Entry

2. Alchemy (6th place in category " Best electronic song 2004" at Just Plain
Folks Music Awards 2004.)

3. Dilemma

4. Dirt

5. Our Song

6. Sunday

7. Ramanujan

8. Ambriel

9.  Jazzmine

10. Rain

11. Garden

12. Mirrors

13. Matt

14.  Ones

15.  Wed

My favorites are Entry, Ramanujan, Garden, Alchemy, and Rain, in that order,
although this is one of those rare compact discs that allow constant and
straight through listening, many times over.  You will hear something new
every time you listen.  At least I do.

Other works by Cargo Cult:

Vibrant (ACM Records)

CARGO CULT feat. KEITH GOULD / MIND PARADE (Music video)
Video to Cargo Cult's new song Mind Parade.


LISTEN FREE:

http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/cargo-alchemy/

Then download the CD at Magnatune for a very reasonable price!



http://www.myspace.com/cargocultmusic