City of Light

In 1997, Bill Laswell released his sixth solo album “City of Light” recorded in Banaras, India, and mixed in Greenpoint, NY.
For the registration of this album he also invited John Balance and Peter Christopherson / COIL, they did a 13-minutes epic composition “Kála”.
While Japanese ambient genius Tetsu Inoue decorated the album with its characteristic sound.
Together they created an amazing conceptual record full of deep drones, tabla-rhythms, and ambient collages.

Reviews:
"I only have one gripe with this release. At forty-four minutes it's far too short. Surely we could have been given more. There are four pieces here, all very ambient and atmospheric. Firstly let me say that the tabla work by Trilok Gurtu on Nothing is some of the best I have heard in ages. Very dynamic and powerful playing. While this is happening, the flute weaves its magic around the drone of the tambouras. Great stuff.
Ultimately what Laswell has achieved is a state of mind and this for me is the real strength of this recording. I love this and full marks to Laswell and his gang for putting it out. Even though it is a tad short."
- Hans Stoeve (Nadabrahma)

“The opening "Nothing" features a lengthy passage of tabla playing by Trilok Gurtu. The instruments slow construction and dissipation of dynamics and myriad of rhythms create a fascinating narrative of its own. The closing to "Kala" builds tension through the repetition of spring-like electronic tones that rise out of Carson's erie, unintelligible whispering. Laswell lends his own sparse, dub-influenced bass to "Above the Earth," playing against a buried clatter of metallic drums.”
- Nathan Bush (Allmusic)

Tracklist:
1. Nothing - 13:04
2. Kala - 13:06
3. Kashi - 7:19
4. Above The Earth - 11:21

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