Customer Reviews

Niya Yesh

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have followed Axiom of choice since they gave out their first recording "Beyond Denial". Niya Yesh is a huge leap from the first album which, although exciting and highly original, was nevertheless more raw. On this album, the band has come to a certain maturity. The instrumentation and musicianship is exquisite with a perfect balance of Middle Eastern Persian and Western instruments topped with nostalgic and expressive vocals. The album is very soulful and some songs bring tears to my eyes. Although it conveys a theme, it is still very diverse and well-balanced. The most important thing about it is that you can (you want to) listen to it over and over again.

I tend to shy away from world music out of fear the grooves will be a little too groovy, and the cultural appropriation infuriating, but if this is what I've been missing, I've been missing alot. I bought this from a friend's "wish list" and she lent it to me. I'm more than pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a trance attack, but instead have found each song to be rich, distinct, and involving. There are so many sounds at play on this CD. Flamenco, American folk, Persian, and ambient street noise beautifully blended. The raindrops on "Raindrops" sound too much like static, but other than that everything works. The vocals are gorgeous, instrumentation superb, and production (except for the above mentioned) near flawless. I don't know if I've become a convert to world music, but I am interested in their previous CD, "Beyond Denial."

If you like cross-cultural world music, then this CD is for you. Axiom of Choice really offers some of the best music in this style, blending their Persian roots with Indian and Western sounds, the result is magical and deeply-moving. If anything is soul music, this is it! I do not agree with the previous reviewer that the album was done with the new age crowd in mind. It certainly has many gentle moments, and it is definitely better produced than the previous album ("Beyond Denial") which I also love and which I purchased by accident a few years ago. But this recording is also more complete musically and more mature. I have been listening to it over and over and it has not lost one bit of its originality and freshness. I find it to be a work of great beauty and power and I recommend it highly.

While rooted in the tradition of Persian music, Axiom of Choice goes way beyond tradition with these compositions. However, I only gave this a 4-star rating because I think that their 1994 release titled "Beyond Denial" (pun intended) on the Xdot25 label is simply better. Like almost all Narada releases, Niya Yesh has superb sound and production. However, in some ways it seems like it is too lush, too smooth; sounding as though it has be produced and recorded with the New Age crowd in mind. Beyond Denial has more raw emotion and energy that I find present in the best of the middle eastern and Persian music. Nonetheless, Niya Yesh deserves listening.

I love Axiom of Choice's Niya Yesh. It really speaks to me. It has wonderful soulful vocals and lovely instrumentation, Persian lute, kemanche, guitar, cello, cane flute and great percussion. I also find it very original and unique, very fresh to the ears and evocative. It is a must for anyone who likes Middle Eastern music with a contemporary approach.

Picture this--I'm walking through Melli Park in Teheran, watching the young women in black headscarves play badminton, when through the park's loudspeakers pipes a familiar tune. Yes, it's Axiom of Choice's Chaos of Paradise. Just further proof this lovely music is truly reflective of the homeland that inspired it.

I bought this CD as a Vas fan who wanted something similar, and was not disappointed. Whether it is the soulful renditions of the poetry of Rumi or Sohrab Sepehri, or the instrumental pieces inspired by India, this album typifies, but also goes beyond, its Middle Eastern roots.

I first heard Axiom of Choice on my way to work one morning on NPR. I was totally blown away and rushed during my lunch hour to buy their CD. That very same night, I waited in line to get tickets to their concert (it was sold out). The wait paid off and although I missed the first 10 minutes of the performance, I managed to get in. I was totally entranced. This is a band with amazing musicians and utmost originality. Their music is so very honest and from the heart that you cannot help but be touched. This is one CD very close to my heart. In fact I have been buying it as a gift for all my friends and family. Highly recommended for all those who love Middle Eastern music.

Progressive, new, exotic, and simply sublime. I loved this CD from the first moment I heard it on the radio and had to add it to my collection. It is one of the best works in contemporary cross-over Middle Eastern music. Unforgettable melodies, superb vocals, great instrumentation and full of heart.

I was totally blown away by both the recordings (Niya Yesh and Beyond Denial) of Axiom of Choice. This is one of the most original bands to appear on the world music scene. It is rare to find such a respectful balance between the music of the East and the West. I just wish I could see them live in concert. Both albums are highly evocative and well crafted and works of great power. What is interesting, is that while you can immediately recognize the unmistakable sound of the band, the two works differ from one another. For me, Niya Yesh has more peace in it, and Beyond Denial, a certain turmoil, but both are equally compelling and works of great senstivity. Truly, they are a one of a kind band!

This album is a must have. I saw this band in concert in Berkley this in July and they took my breath away. The combination of flamingo guitar, Persian instruments, electric base and Mamak's beautiful vocals are out of this world. True world musicians (Persian, Swiss, Indian, and Armenian) build on a common spiritual root to deliver a unique sound.

This music speaks to my soul and makes classical Persian music accessible to a wider audience. Mamak has picked beautiful poetry from Persian literature and delivers them in perfect harmony with the instruments. While not departing far from her mastery the classical music she sings some of the most difficult Persian "Dastgah". Her singing is full of feeling and her voice comes from the heart. Bravo.