Asif Khan Inc.

Grounded in Space – Advaita

Creating fusion music, especially when considered in conjunction with Indian classical music is akin to walking on thin ice – the effect of a single strain at the wrong spot, and you run the risk of going down under. Thankfully, Delhi based band Advaita has been providing us with doses of raga based music, in a manner which has been more like gliding on ice. Boasting of fairly large eight member lineup (which of course is required, considering the necessities of spatial creation of the sounds of the tabla, sarangi, and a classical vocalist, besides the conventional guitars and drums), they have blended genres to create a work of art which spellbinds with an exuberance, which paradoxically soothes you. Their debut album, ‘Grounded in Space’ is an experiment in psychedelia floating around you in colourful notes, which begins with ‘Rasiya’ showcasing the talent of their classical singer as the sarangi plays melancholically in the background, builds up at ‘Miliha’, reaches a crescendo with ‘Ghir Ghir’ (a recounting of the much adored feeling amongst classical musicians for the monsoons) and eases out by the time you reach the final track ‘Hamsadhwani’.  A sound which should find widespread acclaim amongst an eclectic audience, and release on a major label should go on to make sure this is one of the milestone albums this year.