July 31, 2025

New Age Instrumental Reviews: Kirsten Agresta Copely-Kuruvinda

Release Date:  August 1, 2025

Label: Independent

Websites: https://www.kirstencopelymusic.com/ https://linktr.ee/kcopelymusic

Kuruvinda, a rare type of red ruby, is the title of Kirsten Agresta Copely's latest release. The ruby pictured on the album art symbolizes love, wealth, and devotion to Vishnu, a Hindu deity. This profound spiritual connection is intricately woven throughout the music, inviting listeners to embark on a spiritual journey.

Kirsten's harp playing, a central feature of the album, has been found on several releases over the years, which I have covered previously.

 

The ambience you hear, similar to a synth, is all created through a multi-effects processor and vintage outboard units. 

 

"Shadow Light" gently ushers in the recording with a soft, measured approach, showcasing Kirsten's harp playing. This mellow introduction sets a tranquil tone, inviting listeners to relax and immerse themselves in the music.

 

"Ratnaraja (feat. Ismael Lumanovski)" features a Turkish clarinet to set the atmosphere. The harp enters in all its magnificence slowly and resolutely as the flute moves in and out between those notes.

 

The title track, "Kuruvinda," is very atmospheric. The plucking of the harp strings feels like it's leading you down a road to enlightenment. An ambiance layer adds extra texture and sound, making the track more delightful and entrancing.

 

"Intertwined (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer)" radiates a mesmerizing beauty. The cello's addition transforms the piece into a cinematic and mysterious experience, captivating listeners and leading them through anticipation and enchantment.

 

"Wordless Voice" is Kirsten's harp, which adds more significance and attention to her artistry's brilliance—the tones and colors of her music swirl around you, encapsulating you with their magic. The ambience layer is woven into all that, giving it a more spacey feel. This was one of my favorites.

 

“Quiet Core” is a good description of this music. It gently moves its audience to a better emotional and spiritual place. The harp's elegance and perfect beauty, a consistent feature throughout the album, demonstrate why it relates to the heavens and is a central element in Kirsten's artistry.

 

'Samskāra', a term of significance in Hindu Philosophy and some Indian religions, refers to mental impressions that shape one's thoughts and actions, forming the basis for the development of karma theory. In line with this concept, the music takes the listener on a reflective journey. The harp's tone and vibration enhance one's contemplation of the track title, fostering a sense of enlightenment and understanding.     

                                   

"Threadline" is a term that recalls different things; however, first, I thought of walking on a thin line as it relates to a situation or predicament one may be in. Depending on the coloring, it can also be something delicate and beautiful that shows in hand-woven tapestry. In this instance, the harp creates this image and whatever may come to mind.

 

"Untold Story (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer)" uses the cello's longing sound to enhance the harp's shining light. Although the cello hovers with sadness, the harp leads you to a brighter place. Now the story is revealed and can never be called untold. What you find in the notes of the instruments and the tempo are yours alone to keep.

 

"Saṃtoṣa" means "completely", "altogether”, or "entirely", and Tosha means "contentment", "satisfaction", "acceptance", or "being comfortable". I think the message is that the artist wishes you to feel that way with her music. The harp does allow that instantly once you hear it. Kirsten feels that way about her instrument and plays it with the passion and grace that only the harp requires. As those lovely notes enter the air and fall upon you, the instant relaxing mode begins, and you have reached your comfort zone to absorb the music's message thoroughly.

 

As the cover of Kuruvinda indicates, it is a beautiful gem, and so is Kirsten Agresta Copely's music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

August 1, 2025

Tracks:

01. Shadow Light 4:33

02. Ratnaraja (feat. Ismael Lumanovski) 3:48

03. Kuruvinda 3:53

04. Intertwined (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer) 3:27

05. Wordless Voice 4:32

06. Quiet Core 3:58

07. Samskāra 3:25

08. Threadline 3:47

09. Untold Story (feat. Dave Eggar, Jessica Meyer) 3:54

10. Saṃtoṣa 3:38

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