Raajhan

Song: Raajhan
Album: Midival Times
Artist: Midival Punditz

Someone listening to the Midival Punditz for the first time ever, may wonder where this song might go... if you've heard them before and like their stuff, you just know it's gonna be something nifty. Featuring strings, electronica, heavy vocals and, as always, an almost (but not quite) overbearing drum machine, this song is one of my favorites by the Punditz. Very thematic and very dynamic music.

Hold On (feat. Sampha)

Song: Hold On (feat. Sampha)
Album: SBTRKT
Artist: Sbtrkt

Sbtrkt (pronounced 'subtract') has been a soothing presence in my life... the pads wash away any lingering thoughts, and the beats bring a new tempo irrespective of any rhythm lingering in my mind. The vocal warmth of Sampha accentuates how calm this song is despite the syncopated beat coursing through your body into your feet.

You Are We Am I (Blue Mix)

Song: You Are We Am I (Blue Mix)
Album: TJ Rehmi
Artist: Axis of Ignorance

Strings are plucked, the tampura drones and a little electronic thrown in with the percussive mix  makes this down-tempo, chill-out song the psychedelic pleaser it is... Why? Simply the genius that is TJ Rehmi.

Tommy

Song: Tommy
Album: Planet Electric
Artist: Delhi 2 Dublin

Vancouver based electronic fusion band Delhi 2 Dublin is noisy and makes me want to clutch my head at their inspired mix of sounds. Visually the band is as diverse as the sounds they offer:

“Delhi 2 Dublin is non-stop world beat energy. Where else can you see a purple haired fiddle player rocking out with a kilt-wearing Korean flanked by two bouncing bhangra percussionists and a vocalist who looks like he would be at home in a Bollywood music video"

“The Vancouver-based collective combines dhol, fiddle and breakbeats in an Irish/Asian stew that is surprisingly varied, a marvellously wide-ranging and free-thinking concept.“ BBC

Map of Dusk

Song: Map Of Dusk
Album: 3 Cities
Artist: Bombay Dub Orchestra

Some would think travelling to 3 different cities: London (UK), Chennai and Mumbai (India) - 2 countries! - to record an album would be a bit much. They can only be impressed by what BDO offers it's listeners from 3 Cities. Map of Dusk is a taste of an album reminiscent of a Buddha-Bar production that highlights the classic sounds of Indian musicianship entwined with the drumming of London beats.

Supreme Illusion

Song: Supreme Illusion (Nickodemus Remix)
Album: ESL Remixed
Artist: Thievery Corporation

Ever seen those spastic dances and wondered to what beat one would 'dance that dance'? Thievery Corp took that beat and built music on top of it to make a smooth tempo'd, rhythmically fun sound. The bass runs, the flute hops, the strings are plucked , the voice smooths over; it all come together in this head-bobbing track.

Kwaab

Song: Kwaab
Album: Along the Dusty Road
Artist: Niraj Chag

I first heard Kwaab while perusing a book at a Barnes and Noble store. The song followed A.R. Rahman's Bombay Theme Song (changed to Mumbai Theme Song when the city decided to revert to pre-colonial nomenclature). I almost digress wanting to gush over the aforementioned Mumbai Theme Song.


Kwaab had a tough track to follow. But the female voice eased away all thoughts. The guitar briefly gamboled around the piano and then a simple beat that made you want to tap your feet and bob your head. Abetted by simple bass guitar punctuating rhythmically and synthetic waves, Niraj Chag's Kwaab is something to move the soul... along the dusty road.