Track Listing

1. Everything
2. Spark
3. Dead Man
4. Rag Doll
5. Mausam
6. Journey
7. Void
8. Koyal (Songbird)
9. Noches En Vela (Part 1)
10. Noches En Vela (Part 2)
11. Mirage
12. Throw
13. Flipside
14. Brainwaves
15. Footprints
16. The Search
17. Sanctuary

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28417 in Music
• Released on: 2005-05-02
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Philtre, the latest album from Nitin Sawhney, is certainly cause for celebration. More rounded and palatable than his previous efforts, this doesn’t quite surpass the benchmark set by his celebrated Beyond Skin album, though in its own right it’s a remarkably accomplished piece of work.

Setting the tone with the downbeat, moody "Everything", the album is a treat that twists and turns at every opportunity, gathering up lazy, loping Beck-style hip-hop at "Dead Man" (complete with attractive slide guitar), cinematic strings, polite drum n bass ("Journey"), flamenco, turntablism and whatever else it can, throwing it all into the melting pot. After establishing the various styles, the second half of the album picks up and contains the most satisfying moments, like the R&B flavour of "Throw" and funk-lite of "Flipside".

The freshness of the album, however is ensured by the plethora of guest vocalists, who are utilized effectively, keeping interest where a single voice would drag. All the vocalists are salutary, but the most effective use is with the two "Noches En Vela" interludes provided by Mexican fusion collective Ojos de Brujo which alleviate the album just when it needs it. A fascinating, highly recommended, sonic journey all round. --Thom Allott

Customer Reviews

Versatility
this is my second Nitin CD having started with Prophecy back in 2001 which I received courtesy of Pete Waddingham at V2 Records A&R and played a lot on my local radio stations...it's truly lamentable that I didn't get any of his other work until now, 6 years later. This is a different album indeed to Prophecy and a wealth again of guest vocalists. I was transported back to my fave New Orleans by the snappy blues intro to Dead Man then smiley and amazed at the smooth switch to eastern indian vocals and themes within a 'blues' track.. a classic example of the blending of genres which Nitin presents so well. This is followed up by the recited raga like Rag Doll then launches into the wonderful swirl of indian faux 'celtic' orchestrations of Mausam, reminiscent of Loreena McKennit and on and on with delights after delight.. a superb album - less harsh and socially critical than Prophesy but an intensely rewarding listen, especially for an eastern souled person like me. I wish I could play the sitar better than I do at times like this. The rest is pure Nitin magic.

The ultimate follow up to Beyond Skin and Prophesy
I allways look forward to a Nitin Sawhney album , I've seen this genius live and his post Beyond Skin albums are the most appealing, to me . After the masterpieces Beyond Skin and prophesy, Human left me uncertain of Sawhney's direction. For Philtre Nitin Sawhney is back to the diversity of his cocktail of Asian flava's, latin,flamenco, drum and base, electronica,housy soul with a variety of guests. The tempoe for Philtre is down beat dark yet refreshing, the vocals superb , there's still Sawhney's sidekick Tina Grace singing on tracks .Philtre is a continuation of the enchanting chilled out experience of Nitin Sawhney, as he ventures in to newer directions. My only complaint is why it's taken me so long to discover Philtre. And also How can such an outstanding collection have been passed by as it's as good as Beyond Skin and Prophesy!

This is magic!
Be prepared for a world tour of music! The latest album from Nitin Sawhney is as eclectic as ever. He manages to overlay an array of genres to compile an exciting compilation that is surely his best so far. Each track offered is better than the last. If you are a fan of Nitin Sawhney and his amazing entourage then this album is for you. Its hard to see how this can be bettered. My only criticism that a few of the tracks are too short leaving the listener for more. Go and buy!