Luka Bloom, Tribe (Big Sky, 2007)
Tribe is effectively a collaboration between Luka Bloom and Irish muliti-instrumentalist Simon O'Reilly. It is absolutely not what I was expecting from a Luka Bloom album, at all! The more traditional acoustic approach is ditched in favour of an ethereal electro-acoustic production. Luka's vocals are not nearly as prominent as on previous recordings, and certainly less so than in his live performances -- instead he sings in hushed, disembodied tones that are every bit as potent as anything he's recorded before. Sounding about as relaxed as can be possible in a recording studio, Luka soothes and seduces his way throughout all 12 tracks alongside O'Reilly's mesmerising musical creations.
Though Luka's vocals may be more subdued, his lyrics are as powerful and insightful as ever. The title track mulls over patriotism, with Luka ultimately deciding that his "tribe" is wherever he is and not confined to his birthplace, or any particular place for that matter: "Home's a place inside I take with me / I meet my tribe wherever I may be." The present situation in Lebanon is also subjected to Luka's thoughtful musings, as he homes in on the weariness of a nation caught up in one bloody conflict after another; "Every generation has seen these wars before / caught between a rock and a hard, hard place."
"Homeless" is a spoken piece, set over a disjointed arrangement with a late-night feel, that finds Luka comparing his own environmental footprint with that of a homeless man in Hollywood, as he ponders who might be the "model urban citizen." These two thought-provoking songs offer very different takes on the subject of home. Two sublime instrumental tracks provide further calming vibes and a wonderful opportunity to totally lose yourself in the enchanting ambience.
Tribe has the potential to reach out to a whole new audience, whilst providing a real treat for those already converted. With Tribe, Luka has made a recording that is layered like an onion -- no, really! Divine layers of sound intertwine to create the most magnificently reflective soundscapes, and each listen reveals a different exquisite layer to entice and delight the listener. It will surely prove an indispensable addition to Luka's already remarkable canon, and doubtless an indispensable addition to many a record collection around the globe.
