Wayan Sadra is an elongated drums solo, both mesmerizing and heady. It is punctuated by various acoustic drone instruments that give it a psychedelic feel. The most jarring effect comes from the title piece, a nightmarish wash of harsh metallic percussion and shrieking vocals. Its improvised attacks and sudden changes of mood make for stunning listening and a stunned listener. Producers Diamond and Polansky have again achieved important results from their research and support of new Indonesian music, bringing to the world music scene a much needed reminder that tradition does not stay and wait for the archaeologists.
All good music grows, remembering but never, ever holding still.