Artist: Swarathma
Album: Topiwalleh
Label: Only Much Louder
Mastering: The Final Sound, NM, USA by Ty Degroff
Release Date: May 2012
A collaboration of western and eastern instruments via multiple languages and socio-political lyrics is what Swarthama tries to present with their latest offering ‘Topiwalleh’ .Another folk rock / fusion band to make it big this year. A blend of stuff similar to what has been growing in the folk rock scene with a pinch of their own flavor, this is what Swarathma is all about.
The current line-up features Vasu Dixit (vocals and rhythm guitar), Pavan Kumar KJ (percussion and backing vocals), Montry Manuel (drums), Varun (lead guitar), Sanjeev Nayak (violin) and Jishnu Dasgupta (bass guitar and backing vocals).This is their second release after their debut self-titled album “Swarathma” in 2009. In some ways, this album would be one of the few albums released in the country that stitches the gap between the Electronic, Western music, Indian Bollywood and Indian Classical scenes. The multilingual album concept pays support to this. The album is also a showcase of the band’s evolution since its previous release 3 years ago.”As musicians, we’ve definitely all grown together. Over the years of playing with each other, we’ve gotten a lot tighter as a band”, says guitar player Varun Murali. This album takes Swarathma from new comers to veterans of a scene that is new and fresh as them.
The album was co produced by veteran musician Loy Mendonsa. Violinist Sanjeev Nayak said “He really helped us define our parts and made us work harder during the recording.” The mastering of the album is weak compared to the releases of reputed bands such as Swarathma this year. The diverse range of instruments used plus blend of electronica and folk requires special attention for the blend which was missing at some sections.
Tracks:
The tracks in the album are diverse whether it be a future folk treat or social political message or modern Indian rock.
Naane Daari: This is a song that celebrates youth, and the power of being young, in your heart and mind. The words “Naane Daari” are Kannada for “I am my way”.
Translation: In the dark cave that is my being, I find the light
And I shall scream of it, aloud, from the mountaintops This earth, this sky, become one in my fist My passion erupts from the ground below
Ghum: Is a song about Child Sexual Abuse. It is a nameless, shapeless horror that nobody seems to believe exists unless when it comes to their own homes.
Rishton Ka Raasta: A song about relationships and their complications. The lyrics convey that only when you take steps towards each other can one resolve differences and find harmony.
Khul Ja Re: A song about overcoming the obstacles in your life by saying the magic words Ali Baba did, “Open sesame!” One of the earliest compositions of the band.
Yeshu, Allah aur Krishna: Was originally released as part of Soundpad. It is a view of the world today, seen through the eyes of 14th century mystic poet Kabir, who sang of religious harmony. His messages find resonance today, more than at any time in the past.
Aaj Ki Taaza Fikar: A popular track of the album. A satirical take on today’s media done in a manner it would seem it is a recording of a characteristic railway subway singer.
Topiwalleh: A reggae ska style titled track of the album.
“Duur Kinara” – The Dewarists, youtube original series, music documentary,part travelogue, invited Swarathma to be part of their show. Also part of the show was popular singer Shubha Mudgal. The track made in this show was incorporated in the album.
Swarathma is a Bangalore-based band. Been around since 2008, the band has built quite some hype with their music as well their visually electric high energy act. Apart of the tours and promo performances for their album releases, the band has also featured on many popular music platform like UK based Soundpad compilation, The Dewarists, Singapore based event Sutasi, Salaam Zindagi with bands like Parikrama and Indian Ocean. Apart from the music the band is involved in various social welfare activities. right for environmental protection to social upliftment of the less fortunate, Swarathma has been a beacon for message laden music aimed towards social emancipation and are preaching by example.
A remix version of the album ‘ Topiwalleh ‘ is set to be released soon .
