We previously featured Nikiré for sharing a conscious universe with the ethereal and prophetic sophomore single, ETERNITY beneath the stars of God, so when we found out that the artist was back with a 12-chapter album, AN INVITATION – The Music Version – An Oratorio, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
AN INVITATION – The Music Version – An Oratorio opens with a meditative soundscape and cosmic piano notes featuring ethereal hummed vocalizations on a track called The Infinite Is Present. We experience the lyrics, “The infinite is not distant, it breathes through all, now… the infinite is not distant, it breathes through all, now…”
Philosophically, we are immediately captivated by the conscious, universal messaging that manifests. The lyrics serve as a devotion to the universe. The message is rooted in ancient concepts of the ever-present, eternal force of God. The orchestral arrangement gives the track depth and grandeur, and it would also be perfect for shavasana at the end of a yoga class.
Next up is The Soul Is Eternal which maintains a similar sonic energy, this time the message is about how “souls live beyond time in peaceful loving relations…”. It explains the astral realm / hiranyaloka, described well in chapter 43 of Autobiography of a Yogi. It’s a peaceful track, again a good fit for yin yoga. It’s about how the past and the future exist as thoughts.
The Eternal Universe Beneath the Stars of God manifests to expand the perspective beyond our individual lives. It is about how the universe is ruled by nature’s laws, a vision of values and how God is the universe but yet within all of us. It serves as invitation for us to contemplate the vastness of creation and our place within it. How God is not a single tradition, but exists within and beyond all of us.
This brings us to The Future Unfolds Through Presence which kicks off with delicate piano and continues with the signature sound of the album to share notions of our sacred potential. It brings the focus back to the here and now, and suggests that the future is shaped by how consciously we live today. We love this idea that every small choice carries its own energy and helps determine the path ahead.
Values Are Sacred opens with a more theatrical and delicate spoken word showing us the pillars of spiritual clarity. It explores the importance of living by values rather than simply talking about them. Honesty, compassion, dignity and humility become meaningful through our actions, and this is where philosophy meets everyday life.
Next is Love Begins Within which shows us indeed that love does begin within, it is about turning inward, reminding us that love starts with how we relate to ourselves before it can be fully shared with others. It is a beautiful invitation to let go of ego and allow more compassion into our relationships.
Spiritual Awareness Gives Peace opens with intricate keys, setting the tone for a message of awakening, but not as a form or escape, instead, alignment and spiritual awareness. It explores spirituality as a lived practice rather than a belief system. Forgiveness, gratitude and mindfulness become ways of finding stillness, even when the outside world feels overwhelming.
This leads us through to To Be Human Is To Fail And Reflect which opens with a cinematic aura and serves as a very grounding track on the album. It embraces imperfection, vulnerability and the reality that we don’t get everything right. We connect with the idea that mistakes can inspire growth when we are willing to reflect. The strings arrangement on this track is particularly moving.
Harmony Is Practice is about cultivating balance through conscious alignment and reminds us that soul values and presence is something we continually work towards, through our relationship with nature, body and soul. It is not about perfection, but about paying attention and finding our way back when life pulls us off course.
Naturally, Relation Is Sacred feels like a commentary on the pillar of “satya” or truth. It places human connection at the centre of the philosophy, seeing every encounter as an opportunity for truth, respect and compassion. We love the suggestion that the divine can be felt through the way we treat one another.
Relationship Is The Real Meaning In The Universe takes this idea further, presenting connection as something much deeper than social interaction or companionship. It is through our relationships that values become real, and that we discover what it means to be human.
Finally, we experience Resonance Within which has sublime choral vocals and closes the oratorio by bringing its ideas back to the inner self. It leaves us with the feeling that peace and coherence begin within. It feels like a natural point of return, encouraging us to carry these reflections ethically into the way we live. It’s so moving and the orchestral nature of the track is truly transcendental. This really feels like an epic and poignant culmination of the message but also serves as the most dramatic track on the record.
Created by Tom Arild Junge, Nikiré is a philosophical and musical project that grew from a deeply personal period of reflection following the loss of his son Erik. We can imagine songs from this album finding a home in films such as The Tree of Life, The Fountain, Samsara, A Ghost Story and The Green Knight, as well as series like The OA, Severance and Nine Perfect Strangers. The wider Nikiré project includes around 40 additional songs, with more reflections and lyrics available at nikire.com.