Author Archives: Sidharth Mohan

From the first dramatic sequence through the highs and lows of the journey that is The Absence of Laughter, Jason Zac Band constructs a self-contained world that is both beautiful and dark. Eclectic, powerhouse talent is harnessed in this stunning expression of a myriad of feelings. The band has progressive chops to keep casual and music-literate listeners hooked. The lyrical content is elevated by the choir, and the instrumentation is brilliant. The transitions in moods and feelings are mediated by thoughtful orchestration. Fearlessly written and masterfully mixed, JZB’s album requires that you take the time and listen. “The best thing about it? Faith finds a new beginning.” – Redemption, on The Absence of Laughter by…

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The idea that stems from the ill-begotten notion that Indian rock/metal bands just can’t sound like international acts: the sound quality, the mix, everything is always to be a notch below what we hear on (insert international band’s name here)’s songs, is something that Heretic shatters with delight. The general sound itself is simply put: pleasing. Here’s a band you want think of and say: They need to make it. They deserve every accolade they get for the jewel that is Words to Epilogues. ‘Echoes from a Canvas’ is a prelude that belies the ensuing aggression in the album, but lays a clear foundation of depth in the band’s music, which you dive straight into with ‘Reprise’. ‘Reprise’ gives you a riff-based hook…

      The Fireflies All-night Festival of Music 2011 was a well promoted event, and the crowd that thronged at the venue was testament to this fact. The lucky ones (us included) managed to park their cars a meager one kilometer away from the hill where the amphitheater was located, and plodded through the small village to the ticket counter that was rather well lit by a 0.5 watt bulb. Stamped and shoved, we found ourselves in a stand of trees that interspersed people passed out everywhere. The night was young, and people had already seemed to have crossed the limits, turned back, and crossed the limits again. We clambered for space at the top edge…

      When a leading newspaper advertised the ‘Splendor of Masters’ show, the first thing that drew attention was the eclectic mix of musicians roped in to perform under the aegis of the performing arts company, Banyan Tree. With my nose wrinkled due to the lack of a bassist in an ensemble that contained flutes, saxophone, tabla, drums and a harp, I warily approached the venue looking for a parking space for the car, and as I quickly found out, parking at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall was a pain in the clutch box. The warning bell proved to be a useful system to usher in the crowd. The lights dimmed and then brightened up…