Release Date: August 1, 2025
Label: Independent
Websites: https://www.kirstencopelymusic.com/ https://linktr.ee/kcopelymusic
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
