by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Sandunes’ third album is her first since moving to Tru Thoughts. On it she focuses on connecting the earth and the body, focusing on ‘humanity’s collective spirit, authentic expression’.

With the freedom to move between genres, the artist – real name Sanaya Ardeshir – gathers quite a guest list and a small army of instrumental collaborators, using stringed instruments but also a number of more exotic contributions from quena and mandolin.

What’s the music like?

The blueprint behind the album suggests a fresh approach, and that’s exactly what we get. This is a joyously creative piece of work, the rule book put to one side as Sandunes makes her music with a natural flair.

Pelican Dance is a good example of how she harnesses influences past and present, using a harpsichord but also marimba, creating a colourful backdrop that ebbs and flows very naturally. It segues into Masti, where scattered beats form the base of an evocative scene.

The vocal guests are well chosen and structured, the standout being KAVYA, who brings her strong personality and penetrating vocals to Follow Me and Time For This. Ramya Pothuri has a more languid style but is equally persuasive, lending an endearing smokiness to Signs and The Surge. Cyclone starts atmospherically, with thunder and rain, a song brought to life by Half Waif’s strong vocals.

Does it all work?

Pretty much. The twists and turns of the music lend themselves well to the album format, the levels of intensity rising and falling with the differing moods of each song.

Is it recommended?

It is indeed. Sandunes has a great deal of imagination in her music, and The Ground Beneath Her Feet is invigorating and fresh.

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Published post no.2,020 – Saturday 25 November 2023