We have seen bands create some really interesting expressions off late , under the tag of indie music . Not only is the uniqueness of each instrument , sound and band vastly prominent , but also some tastefully innovative ideas and scenarios that have emerged from this new wave of independent and expressive music . We ’ ve picked out two albums for this month ’ s issue that exemplify exactly this .
ALBUMS TO LOOK OUT FOR !
We have seen bands create some really interesting expressions off late , under the tag of indie music . Not only is the uniqueness of each instrument , sound and band vastly prominent , but also some tastefully innovative ideas and scenarios that have emerged from this new wave of independent and expressive music . We ’ ve picked out two albums for this month ’ s issue that exemplify exactly this .
The Family Cheese ’ s Self Titled Album
The Family Cheese has had a long-standing history of being different , on literally every possible musical level . Each instrument has its own defining style that binds and holds the band together regardless of how many tonal , dynamic , meter and even genre changes their tracks go through . As if to say this weren ’ t unique enough , their drummer also sings and raps for the band .
This multitude of ideas and musicality was always prevalent in their live shows , but is especially visible in their new selftitled LP .
The Rap Song hits it off with a story of a Parsi boy in his teens , but what grabs your attention more than the hilarious plot is the internal pop influence trying to cut through conventional rap . You can probably never go back to your quintessential drum machine rap songs after experiencing the musicality in this track .
B . O . O . B ’ s intro and feel definitely gave me a Dream Theater / Rush vibe with the phrasings and odd meter styles used . The main interest though , is the subtle Carnatic influence that makes itself felt despite all the fancy rhythm work across a span of eight minutes .
UNIR dials it down with a mellow tone , with a hint of classic rock that occasionally bleeds in . While the vocals don ’ t seem striking in the album , it would definitely be a joy to watch the drummer pull it off live .
Sometimes All U Need drops the mood further down the lazy bar , not just with respect to the tempo , but also the textures used across the song . The sarangi taking over in a folk / gospel track was an unexpectedly brilliant and ridiculously tasteful concept , which doesn ’ t cease to give me goosebumps even on repeat .
Lala definitely changes the previous mood though , rushing and pacing heavily through with simple and powerful Carnatic phrasings and pleasingly chaotic drums . The length of the track doesn ’ t go too well with the pace of the song , and although it may seem stretched out to some , you can never get tired of odd time licks .
Stories Of The Places You ’ ve Never Been seems to be influenced by the band ’ s extensive travel across India over the years and how it has come to shape them . The acoustic layer and harmonies hit you hard with a Pink Floyd-ish vibe , and that can pretty much never be a bad thing .
Blue and Pissed Off brings you a new age Nickelback vocal feel , but is very well handled across the track with regular yet subtle ideas popping through the rock vibe .
The album is pretty much summed up conceptually and stylistically with the last track , Cheese . Although you ’ re left with a want for a more vocal finale , this instrumental track brilliantly weaves together all the musician ’ s iconic sounds and leaves you wanting more . For an audience that yearns for expressive music , this album is a must have .
The Score Magazine
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