Compathia

They Say...

Review by Jason Nickey, All Music Guide

With Compathia, Ben Chasny takes Six Organs of Admittance further in the direction of "songs" in the traditional sense (as opposed to extended, largely instrumental, raga-like jams). Assuredly, these aren't pop songs, but they are, most definitely, songs. With Dark Noontide, Six Organs' previous effort, Chasny's folky eastern melodies were balanced by his chant-like moan. But with Compathia, he sings on every track save one, the brief title track (which functions as a beautiful instrumental breather mid-album). His voice is also noticeably pushed forward in the mix, and the songs themselves are less cluttered by percussion and other instruments, further emphasizing Chasny's singing and lyrics. As a result, Compathia almost recasts Six Organs of Admittance as a recording outfit: more of a psychedelic singer/songwriter outing now than a (largely) instrumental drone-raga folk concern. John Fahey,Robbie Basho, and Sandy Bull still come to mind when it comes to Chasny's playing, but he has simplified his style -- in a good way -- accomplishing more with less. A dark, orphic guitar figure rings though each track as Chasny tells us (for example) to "run from nightmares" (from "Run!") in a voice that sounds like it knows what it's talking about. With Compathia, Six Organs could be thought of as Devendra Banhart's sober, less whimsical companion. Note: Ethan Miller from Comets on Fire contributes sitar to "Somewhere Between," as well as a searing burst of electric guitar to the album-ending "Only the Sun Knows" (the clear standout track), perhaps in repayment for Chasny's appearance on Comets' 2002 release, Field Recordings from the Sun.