• Tue, Mar 19, 2024
Reviews

Begum - Bagh

7.0

album Reviews Sep 17, 02:24pm

A review of Delhi-based, experimental indie rock/eleventh century sounds influenced three piece outfit, Begum's debut album, Bagh.

Members of the alien mothership that is Peter Cat Recording Co. (PCRC) have shot out more than just a couple of exceptionally curious acts that continue to bemuse and bowl over.

The latest offshoot to procreate being Begum which is essentially Kartik Pillai (guitar/ vocals) and Karan Singh (percussion/ keys) from PCRC, alongside Kshitij Dhyani on Bass. They amusingly define their genre as Indian eleventh century seduction sounds, and also claim to be undertaking secret promotion of Fevicol through the name of the band.

Their debut album, Bagh, was let loose just last month, and brandishes music as eccentric and versatile as it can safely get. The album was recorded live within the premises of the band members; no multi-tracking whatsoever.

The set conforms to no particular form or pattern, and delights the listener with a soundscape that is immersive and eclectic. Predictability is low and each song is varied from the next. Lackadaisical vocals, indigenous rock and roll, and kaleidoscopic use of sound arranged in a comely order, form the immaculate construction of this set which flows smoothly from beginning to end.

The first is one of the band’s pre released singles ‘Chinbien’ which lends an appropriately engaging beginning to the album. The song has a fantastical and ambient start that gradually transitions with a fitting Japanese sounding drum and sticks intro into vintage rock and roll.

Arranged in a cyclic fashion, we have ‘Make it till 4’, ‘In the basement’, and ‘Waiting’, all of which have a fervor that correspond with the garage/punk rock era of the 1960s.

Nestled in between them is ‘Lonely roads’ which is arguably one of the most addictive of the lot and a personal favourite. The song features a combination of simple acoustic riffs and an ensnaring voice that reverberates in your head much after you leave, and go about other diurnal chores in life.

The ambiguous fifth track on the album is an instrumental called ‘Imposter’; starting with an old vocal sample, the song piques the interest at first but then goes on for about seven minutes with some minor variations, mildly bordering upon monotony. The song has the tendency to get lost into oblivion as you realize you can go make that sandwich your rumbling stomach has been craving, before it is finished. Therefore, serving its ingenious purpose as an intermission as suggested alongside the title.

The next track is mellow and short in contrast; ‘As He Was’ is languid and dreamy throughout but changes character midway, which is typical of the artists.

‘Raj D Minor’ or ‘Redeem Yourself’, incorporates reggae intonations and harbours a relaxing, chilled- out vibe. While the delightful ‘Marry me’ has a thoroughly optimistic and warm-fuzzy feel to it.

Finishing off with the harmonious and composed ‘Arugumbay’, Begum delivers a rather stimulating album that would bring similar ecstasy to an adventurous listener as sky diving would to an adrenaline junkie.

Stream Bagh by Begum below:

Facebook twitter Google Plus Pinterest
Trending
Related Stories
Connect

Leave a comment

Recommended Stories

11 Lookalikes in Indian Indie AKA Same-guy Syndrome

We ploughed the depths of the internet to find/envision/discover these uncanny resemblances in the Indian independent music circuit and beyond. Some of these people may or may not have been separated at birth. 

Jan 04, 2014 

By Aaquib Wani  

10 Observations about The Dewarists Season 3, Episode 2: 'Khirama' (Lucky Ali and Shilpa Gupta)

The Dewarists, a super-popular crossover TV show which finds that common place between music, travel, and collaborations, returns for its third season. The show airs every Sunday at 8 PM on MTV and every day of the week on YouTube. Here's our review of the second episode of the season, featuring a collaboration between singer Lucky Ali and multimedia/installation artist Shilpa Gupta.

Nov 20, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

10 Observations about The Dewarists Season 3, Episode 1: 'Suspended'

The Dewarists, a super-popular crossover TV show which finds that common place between music, travel, and collaborations, returns for its third season. The show airs every Sunday at 8 PM on MTV and every day of the week on YouTube. Here's our review of the season premiere, featuring an offbeat collaboration between Monica Dogra, Prashant Mistry (Engine-Earz Experiment), and Eric Paré.

Nov 15, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

SundogProject - Hex 1/Visions

(Artwork by Rahul Das) AKHIL SOOD Forget about the novelty for a second here – yes, it’s

Oct 07, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

Tajdar Junaid - What Colour Is Your Raindrop

SAMAR GREWAL For all the calming, balm-like work it will do on your soul, Tajdar Junaid's

Sep 07, 2013 

By Samar Grewal  

Amyt Datta - Ambiance de Danse

A review of Ambiance de Danse by Amyt Datta.

Sep 07, 2013 

By Samar Grewal  

Hoirong - TROTPOWAHVHP

AKHIL SOOD This is the fat and ugly stepsister of pop music, and it's basically sublime

May 24, 2013 

 

The Circus - Bats

A review of Bats by The Circus.

Mar 12, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

Lifafa - Lifafa I

A review of Lifafa I by Lifafa.

Mar 07, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

Sulk Station - Till You Appear

AKHIL SOOD At what point does trip-hop, with all its dreaminess and softness and lushness and

Jul 16, 2012