Tags: Indian

Review: Mahal by Glass Beams melds a diverse array of influences into a unique and enchanting soundscape. The Melbourne-based trio, shrouded in mystery with their mask-wearing anonymity, lets their music speak volumes. Built around founding member Ranjan Silva, their sound draws from the rich heritage of Ravi Shankar, Bollywood, Electric Light Orchestra, and traditional blues.Inspired by repeated viewings of 'The Concert For George', Silva's vision for Glass Beams seems to echo the fusion George Harrison envisioned when introducing classical Indian music to Western pop. The EP opens with 'Horizon,' setting a serene tone before leading into the title track 'Mahal,' an instrumental piece that envelops the listener in its mystical charm. 'Orb' follows with a riveting bass riff, while 'Snake Oil' delves deeper into Indian classical territory, showcasing evocative vocals. The EP concludes with 'Black Sand,' a dramatic and beautiful track featuring interwoven vocals and guitar. As their second EP, following Mirage, Mahal solidifies Glass Beams' distinct place in music, defying categorisation and quietly demanding attention with its almost otherworldly quality.

Review: In a limited edition closing statement, sitarist and musician Anoushka Shankar (daughter of Ravi Shankar) marks the culmination of an ambitious trilogy of mini-albums. This final chapter follows Chapter I: Forever, For Now (2023) and the Grammy-nominated Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn (2024). While the previous installments drew inspiration from Berlin and California, respectively, Chapter III is deeply influenced by Shankar's Indian heritage, reflecting a return to her roots; it hears collaborations with London multi-instrumentalist Sarathy Korwar as well as San Francisco-based sarod player Alam Khan, blending traditional Indian sounds with contemporary sound design and productive elements. Star cuts such as 'Hiraeth' intertwine the soulful resonances of sitar and sarod with dynamic percussion, titularly borrowing from the Welsh language term for a deep longing or homesickness. The record coincides with a global tour set afoot by the musician in March 2025, starting in North America and concluding in India later in the year.