Firangi Paani

I love the independent music scene in India. They’re creative, extremely talented and the compositions, IMHO, are worthy of any international album. But wait, that twang wouldnt be there in an international album, or that noisy hum, maybe the keys in the background could’ve been less loud? Yeah, production had always been the Achilles heel for independent recordings. Except for the professionals like TAAQ, Zero, Skinny Alley, etc, very few of the bands could afford to showcase their music with the kinda sparkle and twaang that it deserves.
But not for too long..
Advaita, Medusa, Indigo Children and Swarathma happen to be some of the talented bands that have had the opportunity of working with some of the heavyweights of the British recording industry (in the form of producers John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses, Muse, etc) and Dan Austin. In a unique program, the British Council launched Soundpad, an attempt to provide the rich, vibrant independent music scene in India with the knowhow and expertise of some of the best British producers.
The result? Brilliant fails to describe it, the recordings are exquisite, the arrangements beautiful. They manage to bring out the true talent of these bands in all their magnificence. To check them out, please do pay a visit to:

SoundPad’s Myspace Page

Personally, I just love the songs by Medusa and Advaita. Medusa’s Hilltop has this sparse but extremely groovy feel to it. A lot like an amalgamation of Radiohead, REM and Oasis in their younger days.
Advaita’s “Just Enough” sounds so international while being so Indian at the same time. Just the kind of stuff that could go on to define Indian Rock (if we ever have it!) I dont know why I am reminded of Indus Creed’s later albums when I hear the song. Maybe cause it has the same kind of global appeal. The vocals soar on this thinly veiled guitar intertwined with the tabla. A definite recommendation!

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