• Tue, Mar 19, 2024
Reviews

Symphony Novel - ARIA

6.5

album Reviews May 05, 01:23pm

A review of ARIA by Mumbai's experimental/progressive act, Symphony Novel.

It’s an old argument, that of doing something that’s been done enough times before and doing it really well, versus attempting to tread new grounds, irrespective of whether those attempts bear fruit or not. Forgive me, but I’m a complete sucker for the latter, even when it’s experimentation for experimentation’s sake – the risk of contrivance arises, but I would personally prefer contrived music over derived music. And Mumbai’s Symphony Novel, guitarist/composer Rachit Sachedva’s project, succeeds in that respect because it does attempt something different, something just a tad new.

Influences from the east and the west wrestle through the progressive, rhythm driven arrangements with an indelibly melodic vocal delivery, trying to create a tender balance. The six-song release, ARIA, is an exploration of moods; the songs, right from the hypnotic opener ‘Chant’, establish a certain atmosphere through well thought out guitar riffs, with the compositions building up from that initial mood and expanding and explicating and enlightening those realms. Sachdeva’s crisp guitar playing serves as a starting point for the music, although his knack of lapsing into Iron Maiden-ish elaborate, open, almost cheesy patterns and notes, as on ‘The Lake’ and ‘Tranquilize’, takes away a little bit from the maturity that the music generally emits, with some showy bits thrown in for good measure.

One aspect of ARIA that could potentially evoke strong reactions among listeners is the singing. The Average Indian Singer’s tic of singing along to whatever’s happening on the guitar is foregone here for melodies that accompany or complement the guitar, instead of simply following it. The hushed, almost whispered words on ‘Chant’ give way to a more pronounced approach on ‘The Lake’ and the rest of the songs (with ‘Chant’ featuring a different singer). The underlying theme remains consistent; the two vocalists featured have a strong style and an ability to belt out relatively unpredictable notes. Then again, it does get a little too dreamy-pop at times, which might not be to everyone’s liking. And accompanying the elemental melodic disposition of ARIA is a quite fantastic rhythm section comprising heavyweights Sheldon D’Silva on the bass and Gino Banks on the drums. While individual virtuosity naturally comes through in their precise, groovy playing, what really stands out is the sense of dynamics that the guitars, drums, and bass showcase, with flickering rhythms and alternating sections of accenting adding a rhythmic playfulness behind the melodies.

The tight, well-defined narrative flow of ARIA detracts a little from initial attempts at ambitious experimentation, with a clear sound developing through the course of the release. It’s not changing the game per se, but it does discover unfamiliar spaces while still maintaining a strong structural core, stoking the listener’s curiosity at the very least.

Stream ARIA by Symphony Novel below:

 

Facebook twitter Google Plus Pinterest
Trending
Related Stories
Connect

Leave a comment

Recommended Stories

30ton Capacity - Season One Episode Nil

A review of Season One Episode Nil by Bangalore's 30ton Capacity.

Mar 14, 2014 

By Akhil Sood  

As We Keep Searching - Growing Suspicions

A review of Growing Suspicions, the debut release by Ahmedabad's As We Keep Searching. 

Feb 24, 2014 

By Akhil Sood  

The Bacardi NH7 Weekender - NCR, Nov 30 - Dec 1

The Bacardi NH7 Weekender hit Greater Noida again this year for the NCR edition of the festival. Meshuggah, Nucleya, Mutemath, Scribe, And So I Watch You From Afar, the lineup had it all. The festival also had hot air balloons, gallons of alcohol, a Ferris Wheel, and so much more. Akhil Sood with the full report. Click here for stray observations from the festival.

 

Dec 09, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

Big City Harmonics - Foreward

A review of Foreward by Big City Harmonics.

Nov 13, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

The Celeste Fest 2013, Mussoorie - Oct 25, 26

A stunning location, some great music, some not so much, rum in the hills, shattered bass drums, and memories of staring down to look at the clouds - the first edition of the Celeste Music Festival, held at the George Everest House in Mussoorie, was a grand success. Aditya Varma was there to witness the ins and outs; below are his thoughts.  

Nov 06, 2013 

By Aditya Varma  

Coshish - Firdous

A review of Firdous by Coshish. 

Nov 06, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

The Scene feat. Until We Last, Pinocchio's Moment of Clarity, and Space Behind the Yellow Room at Blue Frog, Mumbai

Minus its pedestrian name, The Scene – a series of monthly gigs organized by NH7 and Blue Frog – is a great initiative that not only helps young bands by putting them up on the big stage at the Blue Frog, Mumbai early in their lives as performing musicians, but also allows us wastrels and wanderers the opportunity to check out new music. V 6.0 featured three bands which had unusually long and weird names, so Akhil Sood, who calls himself quite the post-rock enthusiast, went to check out the gig. Here are his numbered thoughts:

Oct 17, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

Lucky 7: Stupid Ditties - An Ennui.Bomb Compilation

A review of Lucky 7: Stupid Ditties, an Ennui.Bomb Compilation.

Oct 10, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

Pentagram, Shaa'ir & Func, The Lightyears Explode, and Drawing Short Straws Live at Blue Frog, Delhi

Pentagram with their very first gig at the Blue Frog, Delhi. Shaa’ir + Func and their explosive live act. The Lightyears Explode with their endearing indie-pop-punk thing. And Drawing Short Straws and their hypnotic experimental sound. The Gig Week finale had it all. Aditya Varma was there as our resident documenter.

 

Oct 03, 2013 

By Aditya Varma  

The Family Cheese, Spud in the Box, Nice Weather for Ducks, and Snafu Live at Turquoise Cottage, New Delhi

Our man Aditya Varma headed over to catch The Family Cheese, Spud in the Box, Snafu, and Nice Weather for Ducks, who played at Turquoise Cottage in Delhi on September 24, as part of The Gig Week. Here's what he touch, saw, heard, felt, tasted. 

Sep 27, 2013 

By Aditya Varma  

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  

The punk rocker's guide to the underground

It's standard protocol across some public forums to not mix your alcohol with Bhanuj Kappal. But we're not much for rules and all that and so we sent them to the Sky Rabbit gig together. This is the first in a series of adventures.

Mar 12, 2013 

By Bhanuj Kappal  

10 Thoughts on the New Peter Cat Recording Co. Video: 'Love Demons'

The bizarre nature of the new video released by Delhi’s Peter Cat Recording Co., of their song ‘Love Demons’, makes it difficult to have any properly formulated opinions on it. Nevertheless, it’s a weird visual experience, and one that compelled Akhil Sood to jot down a few thoughts on it. 

Feb 15, 2013 

By Akhil Sood  

5 Professions That Priyanka Chopra Should Explore Instead of Music

Akhil Sood turns all good Samaritan and stuff and suggests five alternative career options for Priyanka Chopra to pursue after hearing her song 'In My City' featuring Will.I.Am.

Oct 01, 2012 

By Akhil Sood