Alio Die & Jack or Jive MEI-JYU

Alio Die and Jack or Jive’s first ambient pairing is a work designed to complement a form of Zen practice, one that teaches that man can shine from the inside outward. The album is named after MEI-JYU, an assumed Zen solidity like that of a jewel that sits in one’s palm. The concept is that everyone has MEI-JYU inside and if we focus hard enough, the light and form of it becomes visible from within. Ambience is a strong part of the flow and concentration and so it is no surprise that Alio Die and Jack or Jive, a Japanese duo, has mixed their talents to produce 70+ minutes of serenity via shaded paths while using a variety of techniques and instruments including environmental sounds.

Stylistically, much of MEI-JYU is “shoegazer gothic” in essence. Alio Die is accustomed to creating worlds in his ambient forays, many of which are dark. It is little surprise to find that Alio Die has chosen to push his talent to create a location for the soul to wander as it seeks to liberate itself in the here and now. Ambient music is serious work for the artist largely because he/she must create an auditory version of a landscape much like an author has to form words to describe or an artist mixes paint to form images. It is an art that goes unnoticed and under-appreciated.

This 9-track album is dark in a calming way but it must be realized that some people find their tranquility in shadows while others find their peace in complete light. Projekt’s ambient servings are often dark in nature, meant to disturb and to challenge. However, without stepping far from the centrality, Projekt’s embrace of this work shows yet another facet of dark ambience that is meant for soul-healthy ventures.

All of the 9 tracks are soft, inquisitive, and encapsulating like wind chime notes that float in the air and through our beings. Jack or Jive’s vocals, as sung by Chaka, act as directional beacons, providing a focal point for the listener/meditator while Alio Die’s sounds are the atmosphere and landscape; the being of the world. Every tune is blended with each other to avoid a sudden shock and to maintain flow and absorption. Some of the music is evenly repetitious to blend with your natural rhythm. Drones appear quite often to provide the shadowing of the tune.

Overall, MEI-JYU is effective in providing a sheltered soundscape where people might “lose” themselves in a meditative state. And while much of dark ambient textures are designed to be meditative in nature regardless of how unsettling a piece may be, MEI-JYU’s gentle approach supports a more rhythmic and immersive experience without the need to craft antagonism.