Jarboe Releases Haunting New Track “Karuna”

The experimental artist Jarboe has come out and released a new single titled, “Karuna,” which is one of the four new tracks from her upcoming spiritually refined album, The Cut of the Warrior.

The recording for “Karuna” took place inside a meditation dome, which is appropriately reflected when you listen to the song.

“Karuna” is a 7+ minute long meditative song that focuses on elements of rich percussion instruments, abrupt silence and vocals that send chills down your spine. The song begins with the clashing of cymbals and soothing humming for a few seconds and then it’s silent. Soon after, a glimpse of gongs banging against each other can be heard as background noise before the chanting vocals of Jarboe comes across. From then on, Jarboe’s vocals are altered where the pitch fluctuates high and low to them echoing as the instruments are altered to be louder and softer. As the vocals and soft instruments fade out, Jarboe delivers the message, “karuna, if you call her, she will come,” before the song ends.

Jarboe has been no stranger when it comes to the experimental music scene. She first received recognition for her artistry back in New York City when she was a member of the band Swans. It’s no secret that Jarboe has been an indent on the band’s presence, contributing her vocals, songwriting abilities and keyboard skills on the first eight albums, and even background vocals for an album after her departure. Since then, Jarboe has released 11 solo studio albums and eigh collaborative albums, one being Viscera with fellow New York duo Byla.

“The Cut of the Warrior refers to the practice of Chöd by illustrating repeated attempts to cut through the ego,” explained Jarboe about her upcoming album in a press release. “The Chöd practitioner seeks to tape the power of fear through activities such as rituals set in graveyards and visualizations of offering their bodies in a tantric feast in order to put their understanding of emptiness to the ultimate test.”

The album is set for a December 14th release date through Translation Loss Records.

You can listen to the single “Karuna” via PopMatters.