Sangsara by Eleven Shadows

While "Shegar" is dark and haunting, "Dentro" is more contemplative and hopeful. "Bardo" is a dark collage of abstract sounds, backwards noises, treated gamelans, Tibetan bells, and vocal samples, very similar to the opening atmospheres of "Shegar". Finally, "L'Oceano" is another beautiful tune, halfway between the moods of "Dentro" and "Shegar", with some atmospheres comparable to the best of Mark Isham. - (Future Music Magazine: Making Music with Modern Technology, U.K.)

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Eleven Shadows' "Shegar" had us all swooning back in Future Music 41. Replete with multi-layered Kurzweil string pads, bowed double bass and beautiful vocals, the earlier track proved to be something of a sponge for superlatives. Described at the time as 'organic and haunting', among other things, Ken Lee's orchestral epic provoked a flurry of activity around the 'organic and haunting' section of the office thesaurus. "Shegar" also got an airing on the fabulous "Mixing It" show on Radio 3 on the BBC thrice!

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Ken Lee, of Chinese ancestry, makes shimmery, vibrant music as Eleven Shadows with both electronic instruments and traditional Asian instruments, such as Tibetan bells and bowls and Indonesian gamelan. These melt (together) with very beautiful vocals from Esther Tessel and acoustic bass from Connie Deeter.

Lee combines Asian and Western influences together seamlessly. Many musical combinations of both Asian and Western worlds are hollow. This is not. It is music that feels complete and satisfies. - (Music and Sounds, Hong Kong)

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Eleven Shadows is beautiful, intricate, emotional music. It's magic! - (Zillo Magazine (The 'Rolling Stone' of Germany), Germany)

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Stand-outs in the new artist category are Eleven Shadows with their stunning This Mortal Coil approach. - (Alternative Press, USA)

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Eleven Shadows releases illustrate the stylistic flexibility and strong compositional sense of musician Ken Lee. Lee is the main personality behind the music of Eleven Shadows, although he enlists a number of other musicians to add their personal touch to various tracks. The result is a rich, unpredictable sound, highlighted by impressive musicianship. The ultimate strength of Eleven Shadows' music is that it addresses the listener on an emotional level, creating strong atmospheres without being overly melodramatic. - (Machine Power Magazine, Canada)

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A modern classic masterpiece! - (Darkwave, USA)

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Beautiful, beautiful music by Eleven Shadows. I love this mixture of ambience and Eastern melodies! Where can I hear more? - (Sonica, Australia)

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Dark and sublime, Eleven Shadows "Sangsara" feels ancient but somehow retains a pleasing modernity. - (Spin Magazine)

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Haunting, seductive music by Los Angeles musician Ken Lee of Eleven Shadows. The techniques and talent of Ken declare themselves vividly in some of this most beautiful, touching music. Enchanting vocals beckon you to come rest on their wings as they glide you through these songs. I look forward to new releases from Eleven Shadows; may their desire to experiment summon us to wander again through equally fascinating landscapes. - (In Remembrance, USA)

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A wide variety of influences are displayed through classical and Eastern instruments surrounding and fleshing out the electronics. Somewhat like the edgier This Mortal Coil songs. - (Paul Moore, Technology Works Magazine, USA)

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Lush, haunting swells of sound and Cocteau Twins-like vocals. If you are looking for music that utilizes exotic sounds in haunting, gentle ways, check out Eleven Shadows. - (Virus, Cybernetik Renaissance, USA)

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This is music that is articulate and emotional. Musician and recordist Ken Lee of California is the mastermind behind Eleven Shadows, and makes music that is stirring and epic, yet somehow subtle. Lee has infused a sense of intimacy with Esther Tessel's gorgeous voice, marrying electronics and acoustic instruments in a pleasing manner. Highly recommended. - (Audio Magazine, Greece)

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Ken Lee is obviously a very talented musician. - (Option Magazine, USA)

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Well, sure, if you like that sort of thing... - (Ken's Dad)

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