You can buy the album HERE
So for the
first time I will be reviewing an instrumental album.
For those who
listen to carnatic music, they must be well aware of Karthick Iyer’s name. For
those who don’t know, Karthick Iyer Live is a collaboration of musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. An
electric violin, mridangam, guitar, bass and drums along with vocals form the
core. The band breaks down superficial barriers between genres, cultures and
languages, to bring out the deep commonalities that define IndoSoul.
BOUNDLESS
‘Korappu’ is
a compositional format in carnatic music where two musicians exchange questions
and answers through their instruments.
The sound of
mridangam greets you as we are treated to a classic solo mridangam piece by
Sumesh Narayanan for the first forty seconds of the song, before he concludes
with a tihaai and makes way for Karthick on the violins. What follows is simply
stunning. We witness a superb jugalbandi between the violin (Raga Shanmugapriya) and the mridangam, with guitar in the background.
The variations
in the speed are brilliant. The last one minute is an orgasm. Literally. That is
where Ramkumar Kanakarajan makes a grand entry with his drums. The way the two
build up the tempo leading to a stunning climax is awesome. This track reminded
me instantly of Slumdog Millionnaire’s “Mausam and Escape”.
What a way to
begin! This one left me wanting for more.
A CLOWN’S JUNKET
The band’s
first ever composition, it
represents the beginning of the musician’s journey, as he balances his feet,
while ensuring the audience stays entertained.
The song begins with a slow
guitar rhythm by Vikram Vivekanand. Accompanying him on the bass is Naveen
Napier. The beginning sound like any routine pop – ish song, but as the tune takes
shape and with some percussion sprinkled here and there, one begins to like
this melody.
At 1:20 minutes, Karthick
enters with a somber violin note (Raga Sankarabharanam).
The way he slowly escalates
from low to an ecstatic high note is beautifully done. The drums only enhance
the climactic effect. That interlude is full – on Amit Trivedi style; I was
reminded of the end portions of “Aazaadiyaan”. The second stanza once again
plays the same tune but with added mridangam. It is this core tune which is
very catchy. Though an instrumental piece, you cannot help but hum it all day
long.
MID AIR
As if
justifying the tension while one is in mid – air, this track starts on a highly
energetic note with a tihaai – of – sorts (Which usually concludes a song).
Based on Raga
Harikambodi, we have the electric violin playing a very catchy and addictive
pop melody backed
by a classic rock arrangement with drums. There is also a lot of percussion as
the song progresses. The combo of the violins and drums enthralls us with its
frequent high and low variations.
Midway, the electric
guitars make an appearance. What follows is a unique and lovely culmination of
the electric guitar and the violin. Although the entire portion is brilliantly
done, somewhere I felt the electric guitars went a little overboard, resulting
in a bit of noise rather than music. But immediately, Karthick retuns to the
base tune, thus ending on a good note. The entire mix of violin, guitar, bass,
mridangam and drums is very well done.
AT THE THEATRES
This was the
first song I heard. Already out on youtube since a long time, this is a multi –
layered and thematic song.
The song
comprises of two layers – English lyrics and Tamil lyrics. It describes the
scene of a play held in a theatre hall. The English lyrics depict people
queuing up outside the theatre to watch the play. The Tamil lyrics depict what
happens in the play. It is a song which talks about the philosophy behind
relationships.
It is
advisable to know this theme of the song and then listen to it. You will only
enjoy it more.
As the song
begins with lovely guitar riffs, Karthick Iyer’s violin sounds superb and
fresh. Once again, this is a tune which can be easily hummed. The guitar
correlating with the queues of people outside is a perfect metaphor. Karthick’s
vocals are lovely and the mood he creates with the “Hush” word is brilliant.
The entire
mood changes as soon as the play begins and the Tamil lyrics kick in. there is
heavy percussion (Allwyn Paul) and mridangam which create a gorgeous
background. This portion reminded me of A.R Rahman at few places.
The transition
from the Tamil to English lyrics again is well done with a fantastic violin
piece by Karthick. The song ends with the English portion which began the song.
Overall, this one is again a brilliant track, a complex yet beautiful track.
Here are the
lyrics of the song (Both English and Tamil) –
Hey I wanna tell you a story today
About a play that blew me away
So many people flock to the
streets to catch any bit of the action oh! it’s so true
Hush the stage is set
Burning lights, looming sets
Actors floating in
Wearing new lives
Aarambame...
Idhu oru kadhal kadhaiyin kelvi
kuri
Piriyum
idhayangalin thedhi kuri
Kadhal mogam neendhiya sogam
Oattam odalaamaa
Unmayin thanimai penmayin inimai
Modhikollalaama
Hey I wanna tell you a story today
About a play that blew me away
So many
people flock to the streets to
catch any
bit of the action oh! it’s so true
Vaazhakaye nadagam
Melirippavanin oar sadhanam
Vaazhnthu parkum naam
Nadigargal thaan.
A SARANGA CONVERGENCE
As the name suggests, it
is Raga Saranga which is being played. It is entirely Karthick’s show for the
initial two minutes. What follows is sheer brilliance. There is a Lydian scale
inspired guitar solo which when combined with the violin piece sounds very
good. But the highlight of the song is the powerful Konnakol chants by Sumesh
Narayanan. For those who don’t know, Konnakol means vocal percussion.
Once the Konnakol ends, it
is again Karthick who takes the job of taking us till the song ends with some
delightful violin, a nice tempo change and a soft and subtle end.
REJOICING
IN RAGHUVAMSA
Composed by Patnam
Subramania Iyer, “Rejoicing in Raghuvamsa” is one of the happiest Carnatic
songs. Composed in Raga Kadhanakudhukalam, this classic piece usually serves as
a conclusion in Carnatic concerts.
The feel in the entire
track is that of a gleeful one – be it the mridangam, the drums or the outstanding
violin. Each and every instrument evokes happiness and joy. The listener too has
a smile on his face.
Somewhere close to 3
minutes, there is an increase in the tempo which further escalates the
jubiliant mood created by the song. Karthick keeps getting better with each
passing second. By the time the track finishes, you are completely floored by
him.
OVERALL,
“INDOSOUL” is a
fabulous debut album for someone who has been associated with music and
renowned music directors since many years.
It was a pleasure listening to
every single track. The effort behind each track can be seen as the band lays
no stone unturned in delivering an album which will be appreciated by music lovers
for a long time.
As Karthick writes in the CD booklet –
“What is it about “good” music that strikes such a deep chord with
us, no matter where it comes from? Is it the genre, the beat, the instruments,
the notes, the voice or something else?”
Well, I don’t know the answer to that,
but I can definitely tell one thing – You are making music that is not only “GOOD”,
but much better than that.
MY RATINGS – 9 / 10
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