I’ve always had a pretty vast music taste and as such, I’m always on the lookout for something new and different. Luckily, this job allows me to do just that, with Behrang Ghodrati’s new EP PURE being one of the most unique records I’ve heard of late.

By Jane Howkins

It’s actually quite hard to describe the tracks on PURE by genre, as it’s a real melting pot of a record. The Iranian composer has managed to mix together elements of classical, new age and ambient music into one cool package, making for a cinematic feel that pervades the entire EP. Each song flows fantastically into the next, with Pure I leading the charge. Behrang utilises some gorgeous female vocals as the main point of focus on the track, although there are also some lovely synths present in the background.

The first piece ends and immediately Pure II kicks in, following on perfectly from the previous tune. It’s not too dissimilar to what came before, although the vocals do take on a slightly different turn of phrase and tone at times. The piano melody also takes hold slightly more on Pure II, making for a subtle yet meaningful change. Pure III takes on a slightly different tack by slowing things down. Again, it’s still not too dissimilar from the previous songs on PURE, but it’s rather more melancholy, with the vocals having a truly haunting tone at times. It’s possibly my favourite tune on the EP, due to this darker vibe.

Pure IV moves forward on a slightly more introspective and positive note, using the gorgeous vocal lines to create an ethereal texture that stands out nicely against the keyboard elements in the background. It’s got a really mysterious sound overall, creating the perfect piece for philosophising over. Pure V takes things on an even more reflective journey, introducing a fabulous violin melody that exudes a bittersweet sort of beauty. It’s absolutely gorgeous to behold, and I can imagine this piece working well on a film soundtrack. The vocals finally kick in again towards the end, resulting in a beautiful crescendo of sorts.

Finally, the last song on PURE is actually a reworking of Pure II – this time titled Pure II (Piano & Violin). As you might have guessed from the title of this piece, Behrang instead using a pretty piano melody and haunting violin arrangement to emulate the original track, making it sound even more haunting than Pure II.

I’d love to hear Behrang Ghodrati doing a similar thing with the remaining songs on PURE, but even if he doesn’t manage this, they’re lovely enough as they are. PURE won’t be for everyone, but those into their classical, ambient and new age music should give the EP a whirl, as it truly is a wondrous record to behold.

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