reviews
Chetana (Peepal Tree) : Chetana is not a good album because
it has been created by musicians who have explored the sonic
landscape with bands like Bhoomi, Thermal and a Quarter,
The Raghu Dixit Project and Moksha. It is not good because
the members have explored music within Kannada cinema.
It is good because they have created the album with a single
intention : uninhibited expression of everything they could
think of.
One catches the intent in songs like Thangi, relating the tale
of an arrogant man whose grandiose schemes are made dust
by the vagaries of life. Or Roshan-e-Kafile, which lurches to
convey an ineffable sensation. Sight, sound, scent all smudge
into a sensation that cannot be translated into word, but
the attempt made is wrought with a quivering eagerness.
Bhuviyidu tells a story that is depressingly close to reality:
a man’s desire to destroy the world tempered only by his
desire to dominate it. This sketch of a DC villain would seem
laughable, if not brushing so close to dictators and lovers of
industrial chaos.
The band is not without it's slapstick charm. Magizhchi heaps
adoration on a man who is used to nothing else, Rajnikanth.
If nothing else, it reminds you where the band is from.
Konevaregu is a much-needed reminder that it is, indeed,
possible to find comfort and acceptance in one’s own soul and
skin. To be as you are is, contrary to the proclamations of
reality shows and hashtags, more than enough.
For those that speak Kannada along with Hindi, the album is
a platter comprising diverse taste. The music travels between
shades of tonal modulation and human emotion. Each song
may seem standalone, to be relished in it's own right. But
such abundance of perspective also serves as a map of the
empathetic mind. Four men gathered to paint many pictures
in their notes, and leave it to us to paint many more. Whether
you align your exuberance with Kanasemba, or agree with the
narcotic allegiances of Chahat, you will find yourself echoed
and evolving. That is, of course, if you are looking to be either
of those things.
Kahwa Speaks (Pragnya Wakhlu) : Wakhlu’s story is familiar,
at least in New Age circles. Deeply dissatisfied with a
corporate job, she returned to India and founded a company
that attempts to help individuals detect a semblance of
stability within them. Her music exudes a similar intent.
Hinging on the idea that life has more than enough joy to
offer, the track is built on melodic lines designed to please.
Charm is an inextricable part of Wakhlu’s composition,
and one could argue, her lifestyle. Consider that this is a
woman who hosts workshops that involve vision boards and
healing through sound. When wielding a guitar, sound and
visions remain committed to a similar end. There is much
to be savoured, and none of it complicated. Intimacy and
accessibility are clearly central to Wakhlu’s credo, and she
expertly demonstrates it in her single.
Kahwa Speaks attempts a direct conversation with sentiment
without sinking into histrionics. One is contented to listen
without bothering with analysis. In light of this fundamental
simplicity, the song is for silent mornings and late, looming,
moonless nights.
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
19