Each week, World in Stereo examines classic and modern world music while striving for a greater appreciation of other cultures.
Copal: Into the Shadow Garden (self-released, 11/4/2010)
Copal: “Roots”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Copal_Roots.mp3|titles=Copal: “Roots”]
A profound understanding of past worlds and global traditions are required to make music like Copal does. The New York City-based music collective specializes in old-world sounds with careful modern flourishes, drawing influences from a wide variety of ancient societies. Copal’s debut album, Into the Shadow Garden, has a meditative sophistication; it’s a string- and percussion-driven album that recalls a time when these instruments alone were used to express a musical ambiance and atmosphere.