Music Review: Grounded In Space

That all of the many instruments used on Advaita’s debut album are clearly audible throughout is the first thing that is affirmed from a listen. Such a rarity, a far cry from ‘music’ which has instruments (and musicians!) fighting for space. Perhaps, the album title is in some way related to how the musicians in Advaita perceive each other as individuals and a band as a whole, an understanding which has built a strong relationship between their respective instruments.

With eight members, it’d be an exercise getting into names. Another one and they could’ve been a clownish nu metal band. Another three and they could play cricket and get attacked in Pakistan. The guys are between the ages of 21 and 28. Two vocalists, one is a ‘lead vocalist’ and the other is a ‘Hindustani vocalist’. Guitars, keyboards, drums, percussion, sarangi, tabla, bass and electronic soundscapes, along with the singing, create a mesmerising atmosphere.

The ‘lead vocals’ (heh) and the ‘Hindustani vocals’ (double heh) do not put the band in a spot, till the fabulous Gates Of Dawn comes along. This is when the ‘Hindustani vocalist’ pulls a Shankar Mahadevan, which is so not required here, and he is probably not trying to create that effect intentionally. But the way the music is placed and paced behind and around these vocals (and on the entire album) more than makes up for little grievances to which one might choose to not give too much importance.

There is no doubt Advaita is packed with skilled musicians, but the crystal-clear production and experimental nature of the music overshadow any importance one might give to their lyrics, which are good in places (Mere Yaar, for example) and highly confused elsewhere (Gates Of Dawn, a sorry muddle of pity and self-pity).

VERDICT

Grounded in Space is a perfect blend of several unique instruments done in a rather interesting way. It’ll be even more interesting to see if Advaita can top this.

RATING: 4/5

(From my Buzz18 reviews)