Deradoorian - The Expanding Flower Planet

Deradoorian
The Expanding Flower Planet
2015

Complex very well may be the first thought that comes to your mind when you listen to this debut solo album from Angel Deradoorian. The Expanding Flower Planet comes on the heels of Deradoorian working with a variety of artists including Charlie XCX, Vampire Weekend, U2 and Flying Lotus as both a bass player and producer. This record however is miles away from any of that, it is all about exploring the types of states that music can put a person in. It is has almost no narratives and instead the lyrics work more as meditation mantras, often repeating on and on. This is not just chanting though, Deradoorian's angelic voice can hypnotize but the music brings you back with a sense of rhythm and pace. She knows just when you are about to become transfixed in a certain song and then flips it so you are snapped back from whatever astral plain you may have been on like on "Violet Minded".  All the songs have a very feminine sound to them, blending eastern and western tones, but the light touch does not in any way mean the music can't hold up because there is a great deal of strength within it. The psychedelic organs of the 60s are also a large influence here especially on the "The Invisible Man" which could easily have come straight of a Doors album (though it's much better).

The idea of filling a room is a big thing in music and The Expanding Flower Planet does it in spades. There is not once inch that Deradoorian allows to go unused. She is meticulous in that sense. The music at times can seem flippant or off the cuff but clearly a ton of thought went into making this record, each piece works together to create the whole. The whole idea of the record of transporting the listener on a journey through both one's consciousness and the consciousness of others is so clearly defined on The Expanding Flower Planet. It is Deradoorian's free use of any genre, tone or style that is the most exciting part of this record, you never know what to expect and once you get it you are quite happy for that. Even the longer songs (over five minutes) never drag, because you are giddy with anticipation at what might come next. The Expanding Flower Planet is a true work of art, from and incredible artist.

8.8 out of 10