Kaliyuga

Editorial Reviews
aiding&abetting.com, 2004
Gorgeous apocalyptic pop music. Songs for the end of the world, an end that you won’t mind at all.

cdbaby.com, 2004
Rum-soaked spongy pop, with echoes of Ben Folds, Coldplay, Beck, and Elliot Smith - a vivid arrival of male pop.

Album Description
Justin Connor’s debut album, Kaliyuga, boldly sets out to go where no CD has ever gone before – showcasing Justin’s knack for crafty songwriting, sonic landscapes, and catchy riffs that seek to soothe the senses with a common collective thread of consciousness. Kaliyuga reflects a fearless celebration of various musical styles and sounds, infusing dreamy melodies, lush arrangements, 70’s classic rock acoustics, honky-tonk piano riffs, and spacy mantras.

"The album title, Kaliyuga, is a Vedic reference to the age that we’re all currently living in – an age defined by war, greed, consumption, decadence, and an overall deterioration of human existence. After months of pouring through various Vedic texts," Justin says reflectively, "I began to sense a strong correlation between many of the deeper truths and questions that I was having trouble understanding in my own life, to the many obstacles that this time period reflects…so I guess this album evolved in an attempt to elicit consciousness, while remaining aware of the many pitfalls that Kaliyuga may present along the way."

The heart of the music is centered on Justin’s soulful voice and introspective lyrics, which often embodies a soft, earnest whisper reminiscent of a young Roger Waters. Kaliyuga has been hailed by numerous critics, who’ve compared the music to many of Justin’s own inspirations including Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and the Velvet Underground, among others. However, Justin puts his own stamp on defining an original, idiosyncratic lo-fi aesthetic that’s contemplative in both style and sound. In the process, he’s created not only an accessible singer-songwriter pop album, but a genre defining sound with style to spare.

Kaliyuga

Tracks:

Kaliyuga
Angelyne
Behind the Sun
Cracker Jack
Rhythms of Disguise
Mu
Lull
Content
Imposter
Kentucky
Masquerade
Home
The Happiest Goodbye

Album Description

Justin Connor's debut album, Kaliyuga, boldly sets out to go where no CD has ever gone before - showcasing Justin's knack for crafty songwriting, sonic landscapes, and catchy riffs that seek to soothe the senses with a common collective thread of consciousness. Kaliyuga reflects a fearless celebration of various musical styles and sounds, infusing dreamy melodies, lush arrangements, 70's classic rock acoustics, honky-tonk piano riffs, and spacy mantras.

"The album title, Kaliyuga, is a Vedic reference to the age that we're all currently living in - an age defined by war, greed, consumption, decadence, and an overall deterioration of human existence. After months of pouring through various Vedic texts," Justin says reflectively, "I began to sense a strong correlation between many of the deeper truths and questions that I was having trouble understanding in my own life, to the many obstacles that this time period reflects…so I guess this album evolved in an attempt to elicit consciousness, while remaining aware of the many pitfalls that Kaliyuga may present along the way."

The heart of the music is centered on Justin's soulful voice and introspective lyrics, which often embodies a soft, earnest whisper reminiscent of a young Roger Waters. Kaliyuga has been hailed by numerous critics, who've compared the music to many of Justin's own inspirations including Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and the Velvet Underground, among others. However, Justin puts his own stamp on defining an original, idiosyncratic lo-fi aesthetic that's contemplative in both style and sound. In the process, he's created not only an accessible singer-songwriter pop album, but a genre defining sound with style to spare.

Customer Reviews:

A MUST HAVE.......2006-01-18

This cd is definitely one you'll keep listening to over and over in your cd player. It's one of those cds that you start playing and your friends ask "Who is that? He sounds great!"

When I first opened the package, I ripped it to get to the music and started playing it in my car. Wow. Even a few people at the stoplights asked me who I was listening to. Now that sure doesn't happen every day.

My absolute favorite song on here is "Angelyne" which I was introduced to when a friend of mine played it. I purchased Justin's album within 20 minutes of hearing the song and you'll see what I'm talking about when you listen to it!! I also enjoyed "Behind the Sun," "Rhythms of Disguise," "Masquerade," and "The Happiest Goodbye" which are all slow songs. I think Justin Connor is EXCELLENT at his slow songs, which are perfect to get you in the mood to reflect on your life, emotions, and just makes you want to sway your head to the music.

Just a side note: When you start playing the cd, it takes about 30 seconds to start playing. At first I thought this was a mistake, but apparently the first song is intentionally supposed to start out that way and build up.