David Lion
Mandala

DAVID LION - Mandala

(Sugar Cane Records)

The new project by David Andrew Ferri aka Lion D., now renamed David Lion, finally arrives. He is one of the most famous and talented musicians in the Italian reggae scene and beyond.

It's titled Mandala and it's his fifth album in his career.

Mandala because in Hindu and Buddhist culture this term indicates circular diagrams meant to represent the process of the formation of the cosmos.

Diagrams that, once completed, are destroyed to symbolize the transience of things and their rebirth, in other words, renewal.

Indeed, it is the artist's renewal that this album symbolizes, starting with the change of name, continuing with the change of label from the historic Bizzarri Records to the Californian Sugar Cane, and ending with a radical change of style that no longer stops only at reggae but ranges from rock, to soul, to pop, and R'n'B, thus becoming World Music in all respects.

The album consists of 12 tracks, including a short intro where the sound of the sea and an almost oriental violin played by Mario Sehtl duet, and a short spoken skit halfway through the album.

The songs range from more classic reggae and new roots pieces to electronic experiments, from irresistible and extremely radio-friendly pop songs to deep and touching soul tracks.

In addition to the presence of drums, bass, and guitars, masterfully played by artists like Heggy Vezzano and Piero Dread, there are also many violin and sax solos, versatile keyboards, and trumpets echoing in the background.

A complete album in all respects, experimental and suitable even for those less passionate about this genre.