Artist: Duncun Rufus
Album: Carte Blanche
Release Date: 12th March 2013
Mixed and Mastered by: Joseph George, Richard Francis
Label: Times Music International
What do you get when 80’s pop-rock, contemporary, electro, Scandinavian pop, jazz, world music, blues and rock come together? You get the Mumbai based five piece stellar band, Duncun Rufus. Their sound is organic, because they emphasize on pure sound and not sound effects. Which is why they don’t have a DJ; also, they are not comfortable doing anybody else’s songs.
Duncun Rufus are – Lima Yanger (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Gaute Johannesen (Drums), John Jaideep Thirumalai aka JD (Bass), Hitesh Dhutia (Lead Guitar), Vinay Lobo (Guitar).
None of these guys are strangers to music. Yanger has been writing his own songs since 2000, back when he was a part of Bliss Logic and Sleeping Buddha. Johannesen, who provides the Scandinavian influence to their music, is part of the indie pop/rock band Popface back home in Norway. Duncun Rufus’ debut 10 track album Carte Blanche can be broadly classified as contemporary rock, with some soul and blues thrown in here and there. The 41 minute album should be enjoyed with dim lights and a glass of Scotch, because you need to let the lyrics flow through your veins and assault all your senses. The first track ‘But Seriously’ is a nice start, smooth and pleasantly slow. It’s about letting go of the past and reconciling oneself to the fact that some things are not meant to continue into the future, even if they have been enjoyable. The lyrics (“We have had a good time, we must go our own way”) strike a chord with anyone. The next track, ‘Lemonade’, is faster, and is about sticking together through whatever life may throw at us. JD, who has worked with Bliss Logic, KK and Ashu, does a neat job on the bass. The lyrics, again, are fresh and enjoyable (“hold my hand and walk right through, we are gonna ride it too”). ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ has a nice tempo; it’s a simple romantic song, with great work on the guitars by Dhutia (of Junkt, Sleeping Buddha and Contraband fame) and Lobo (Airport). At number four on the track list is ‘Mary’s Song’, which was dedicated to boxing champ MC Mary Kom, much before her Olympic win. It’s a mellow number, acknowledging woman power, with a slightly bluesy feel to it. Up next is ‘Disarray’, with a lovely soft beginning. The guitars work really well together in this song about dynamism and freedom (“All these wasted years, Standing in your shadow, Looking for a window, To set me free”). However, it could have done without the extra drum beats; the softness of the track is drowned out by the louder beats. The sixth track is ‘The Greatest Hit’ which completely bowls me over with its retro start. Describing the stages of getting stoned and lightening one’s mental stress, this could be my favourite track out of the album. I love the cartoonistic twang of the guitar; I love the ending, the music fading out and then getting stronger and more layered, as the greatest hit, finally hits. I seriously love this song. ‘On Second Thought’ is a little subdued, but the lyrics are good. The eighth track is ‘The Soft Parade’, which has an awesome beginning. With groovy riffs and slow, almost robotic beats and stunning guitars, this foot-tapping number is full of advice (“Take this ride, ‘Cause there is only distance between you and I”). Except, this time, I actually want to follow the advice! Up next is ‘Episode 9’, which starts with birds chirping, kids chattering, and has a surprise too. The vocals are female, and I hear the cello in the background. This enchanting voice belongs to Aparna Dauria, and the cello is by Jake Charkey. The tenth and final track, ‘Good Bye’, has another surprise in store; instead of the usual music and lyrics, I hear waves crashing on the beach. For the sarcastic souls, yes, this is music too. Like memories, waves crash on the beach, fade away, and new waves come.
The album leaves very little to be desired. There are virtually no slip ups at all. The music is excellent. The lyrics are mind blowing and fresh. I just wish the tenth track was a bit shorter. However, apart from that, I’d give this one five gold stars.
- But Seriously (Live)
- Mary’s Song (Live)
- Lemonade (Live)
