Between – Dharana

Between was an instrumental krautrock group in the 70’s formed by composers Peter Michael Hamel and Ulrich Stranz with the purpose of creating “music between the worlds.” While the group’s first two albums leaned more towards the “worlds” of chamber music and avant-garde, Dharana featured a more East meets West approach, a style that was quite popular at the time amongst German progressive bands like Deuter, Popol Vuh, Guru Guru, etc. The album’s title translates to “collection or concentration of the mind (joined with the retention of breath)” and refers to the initial step of deep concentrative meditation. The music is as expected quite meditative and features extended organ drones, oboe melodies, and light percussion, while remaining surprisingly accessible despite its progressive tendencies. A proper deep listen is recommended!

– Phil Cho

Recommended – Full Listen

Note: The YouTube button links to Vimeo for this one as there’s not a full rip anywhere else online.