The Indica Project/ Time Travel

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

The Indica Project/ Time Travel

Genre: Fusion 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

In 1998, the Indica Project hit the headlines with the album Horn Ok Please, whose title was inspired by a sign commonly found at the back of trucks and other four-wheelers in India. Comprising guitarist-composer D Wood and bassist Storms, the group seamlessly blended Indian sounds with western jazz and global melodies.

They now return with Time Travel, following pretty much the same mix, but coming up with some interesting and diverse sounds over eight tunes. As a genre, one could describe it as world music, experimental fusion or even crossover. Either way, the music is eclectic and charming, with surprises constantly being sprung.

Thus, you have phone recorded messages, temple bells and handclaps by eunuchs, blending effortlessly with guitar, Roland VG8 guitar processor, bass, horns, violin and flute, with Indian and kit percussion thrown in equal measure. Foreigh guests like trumpeter Ron Miles, vocalist Sabine Kabongo and saxophonist Carl Clements add to the variety.

Each of the pieces travels a different sonic path, and jazz, Latin and African flavours eature regularly. 'We Have No Branch' is inspired by small businesses in Mumbai, with Sriram Iyer's violin and Yoswani Terry's alto saxophone giving it a unique flavour. 'Spiritual' is dedicated to ancient Indian wisdom, with Ashwin Srinivasan shining on flute.

The next two numbers are rooted in traditional Indian music, with 'Temple Town' using sounds of Kerala, played by temple drummers, and 'Children Of Bharati' featuring folk tunes sung by students from a school in Andhra Pradesh, with Kabongo guesting. 'From Mumbai To Matanza' blends Indian and Cuban sounds.

The title track is a unique experiment in percussion, mixing Carnatic mridangam and ghatam with Western kit and spoken rhythm syllables. 'Pillow Talk' changes the mood with its mellow and romantic feel. Finally, 'Six Hands Clapping features Shobha And Party, a group of eunuchs singing words of blessing.

A well-done sound mix and seamless flow of instruments add to the album's strength. As co-composers and producers, D Wood and Storms show a welcome willingness to break the barriers. In that sense, Time Travel is good creativity travel.