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By: Fadel Zeidan
What We Have Sewn, the
latest album by Joshua Panda, embodies a
true testament of compassion, love, and life in Carolina. This is a masterfully developed mix of songs that displays a
panoramic range of musical styles that are embedded in the celebrations and tribulations of love. Whether it's
effervescent "If I had a balloon" or the enigmatic and existentially driven "Diamonds in the Sand," Panda's angelic
voice elegantly provides sanctuary to the listener through each and every note. This is a soul album; sprinkled in
with some heavy hitting lyrics focused on how love can make it all just not matter anymore.
Every song on this album switches back and forth from episodes of life that we all can relate to. For example,
"Balloon" exemplifies human nature's innocent and pure side, while "Over My Head" epitomizes the "a-ha moment"
associated with realizing the objective nature of our surroundings. "Buttermilk Holler" is a tribute to Appalachia
evidenced by harmonica, a honky-tonk drive, and picturesque lyrics that leave you with the feeling of a moonshine
hangover and the smell of a campfire. "Vineyard Love Song" is an epic song, Frost-"ian" in nature, and offering
insights to Panda's interpretations of love and the aptitude of investment he has put forth to understand those
interactions. The exemplary trumpet work on "Egyptian Princess" and Panda's lyrical prose like, "Anger is a synonym
for being confused," is a therapeutic declaration delivering anthems that convince one that "we can all live as
one."
To say that this is a personal album is an understatement. You feel some of the complex emotions that Panda goes
through in this work, but cathartically, the ending always provides the listener with some peace of mind. Panda's
latest work is delicate; where you can deduce his influences, the distinction of his uniqueness is evident. More than
anything, this is a great album; worthy of exploration.
JamBase | Deep Water
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