Artist: Calm Chor
Album: Tech Twist
Label: Contra Bass Records
Release Date: 24th June, 2012
Calm Chor AKA Ashvin Mani Sharma from Delhi is out to steal your calmwith his debut solo release ‘Tech Twist’ with his project Calm Chor. Launched internationally on Vertikal records and in India on Contra Bass Records ( a division of Universal Music India)this album aims to dismantle the ideas about what you believe to be real and subtly moves one to a place where one can do the tech twist. This album is a mixed bag moving from the slow to some pumpy dance grooves and also to movie music.
The Journey in sound for Calm Chor began a long time ago. Since he was 17, he was inspired by DJs on the beaches of Goa and wished to engage audiences to his tunes as well. With this in mind Ashvin began his 12 year trip in DJing, from being a resident djship at Tequila Sunrise(Kazakhstan, Ashvin has seen the best of the electro scene locally and internationally with gigs at renowned festivals such as Sunburn 2011, Future Music Festival Asia and Fusion. Ashvin Sharma has travelled extensively do a range of gigs from the commercial to the underground.
A member of Jalebee Cartel, one of the premier electronic acts of the country, also comprised of Arjun Vagale (Groove & Mixing), Ash Roy (Vocals & Percussions), Ashvin Mani Sharma (Synths & FX) and G-force Arjun (Bass Guitar), these guys have paved the way for Indian Electronica with many firsts. Ashvin took charge of the synth sounds part for Jalebee Project and is improving on it further ever since for his solo project.
LFO Love – a groovy track created with fairly simple sounds woven in a neat pattern allowing the listener to follow it well. A tinge of Indian Electronica can be sensed in the leads. A music video of this track has been released lately.
Danger in Bollywood – Seems like a track from a secret agent movie with slowly progressing mechanical rhythm set. The percussive rhythm in this track is delicious.
What Goes Around – A deep tech track filled with various combinations of patterns of various instruments woven together in synchronic fashion. A hint of organic sounds make the mechanical rhythm less boring.
On a Roll – Tech – Trance amalgamation can be witnessed on this one. Wonderfully layered instruments with psychedelic undertones used in a minimal fashion like mirchi in BhelPuri. The tempo of the album builds as the album progresses.
Ooze EEE – A full force dance tech track which would be setting dance floors on fire all over whence discovered. Being essentially tech but several electronic influences can be seen etched on this one creating something for everyone.
The Forces of the Universe – A heavier atmospheric landscape on this track with Short burst of melodies stitching it all together. A ten minute lounge track recommended for easy listening at the same time engaging.
A cool easy listening Tech album with a whole range of electronic sounds associated with various styles of music such as Techno, EDM, Tribal and Psychedelic Trance. The quality of music ranges from the very good to amateur. There is a good flow to the album making it ideal for long drives. Most tracks are ranging from 90 – 124 BPM except for perhaps the track ‘Ooze EEEE’. A fair attempt without being lured into the trap of formula based marketing of the product to make it a success.
Acts like Calm Chor, Dualist enquiry and Bandish Projekt are the new faces of the Indian Electro scene. They will play an important role in improving this scene in the country as well as lay the platform of ideas for future producers to work upon. This album is available for grabs at major digital retailers.
