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Here comes 'Mallu rock'!
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Three youngsters in Kerala have formed a music troupe, Jigsawpuzzle, that promises to offer something really fresh. Its first album, Cream, is an interesting fusion of rock and Malayalam lyrics.
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SOMEWHERE AROUND 1995, the Indian pop music scene witnessed the birth of something known as "desi" rock. Bands such as Euphoria, Silk Route, and the rest were formed during this time, which is referred to as the period of "rock revival" in India. Slowly, but surely, this trend began catching on and soon, Indian rock was recognised as a part of Indipop.
Annual rock festivals such as - Independence Rock and The great Indian Rock - began churning out new and innovative bands which needed attention within the music circuits.
One such band has been formed by a group of three guys from Kerala. It is called Jigsawpuzzle, and its first studio album - Cream (Crescendo Music, Rs. 65) - has just been released. The band comprises John P. Varkey, Riyaz Mohammed, and Anandraj B. Paul.
John is the lead guitarist for the group. He holds the credit as an eighth grade degree holder from the Trinity College of Music, London. Riyazis an architect by profession, but has won himself several awards in drumming during his college days. Anandraj is the lead vocalist. He idolises Michael Sweet and Rob Halford, and "loves singing for classes".
Why did they take so long for an album? The answer is: "Just as many of our fellow Indians, we also had our share of bad times and that made us lay aside the band for sometime and make a living for ourselves. But then, six years of perseverance has definitely paid off. And that is evident in Cream." The debut album is basically Rock, but with some folkish flavour and (surprise!) some Malayalam lyrics!
The album has a lively mix of vocal and instrumental tracks. "Revelation" talks about the past years and remembrances, while "Cry" has some impressive lyrics which talk about exploitation and distress in the world. "She Asked" is slower but pleasant. One interesting track is "Brahma". It is actually an extract from Bhagvat Gita and is sung by Gayathri. Some interesting fusion of the guitar and the Indian string instruments here makes for good listening. We have a couple of Malayalam songs too. "Kootam", which talks about friendship and "Nada Nada", a peppy and a cheeky number.
Though both of these essentially have Malayalam lyrics, the accomplishments are all rock and even the vocals are extremely "rockish". One actually gets the same feeling as listening to any other rock song, especially "Nada Nada" which has a terrific guitar performance and picks up energy all along the song.
Just goes on to show how music knows no language barriers.
A. VISHNU
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