Fresh from the success of his recent single Kundalini Rising, the title track from his much- lauded recent album, comes Iluminative’s new track release Sacred Temple.
The new track yet again proves the diversity, ingenuity and creative stamina of this artist, a rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer who in the last ten years has slowly but surely evolved to become one of Australia’s leading exponents of the rap-rock genre. Since 2006, when Iluminative began his career, he has been consistent with his recorded output – four albums and eight mixtapes – and steadily built a loyal fan base.
Sacred Temple begins with a stunning orchestral riff, with accompanying string lines supported by percussive hits and other varying textures but the song takes off when the groove starts and Iluminative’s vocal replaces the energy of the sonics. The first lines take hold: Body is a temple included in the trinity / includes the true ministry / the true you is spirit, spirit truly is infinity.
The flowing nature of the rap gives way to a rock-infused chorus, melodic yet bold, a fiery blend of vocals, the big groove, swirling effects and surging string lines that create the perfect landscape for the subject matter; this is hefty instrumentation for a hefty topic. As Iluminative has outlined, the spiritual is very much at the foreground of this new record: ‘It is about Kundalini rising, an ancient spiritual practice of rising energy through the whole body. This awakens what our ancestors called the sacred snake in our energy and physical body. This leads to knowledge and awareness beyond the physical five sense perception.’
The verses, which not only highlight a compelling production base but also a vigorously nuanced vocal performance, lead into the chorus, with its hooks, backing vocals and hypnotic assemblage of supporting sounds. As Iluminative has said about where he hopes his music can take him: ‘To a larger market so I can at least attract my tribe, vibe attracts tribe. Just here to share knowledge, stories, and experiences through my music.’ And no doubt Sacred Temple will go a long way in securing that aim for one of this country’s most vital rap purveyors.
LISTEN TO iLUMINATiVE HERE:
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