Thaindian News

July 17, 2010 (Sampurn Wire):”16/330 Khajoor Road” will be given away free on the net

A set of words and sounds put together in a rhythm can form a tune. May be a decent, hummable, melodious one. But it will still be far from becoming music. For it to turn into one it needs to be infused with a soul. Of the musician. It is an expression, of the self, of experiences, of life. This philosophy towards this art rings true for Indian Ocean. Their music is original, uniquely itself, a fusion of multiple elements. Passionate, honest, unapologetic, untainted by the exotic. At home, in the world. Just like their creators. Indian Ocean. For over two decades they have been enthralling us with their unique sounds and music, Indian in its roots, western rock in sound, with several other influences blended in.

The legendary band is now ready to release their new album “16/330 Khajoor Road” from 25th July. In keeping with their ground-breaking tradition, the band plans to give away all seven songs of the album free of cost in the form of mp3 downloads from their website www.indianoceanmusic.com, one song a month over the next seven months. Listeners will have to just log on to the website, register, and will get an e-mailed code that shall let them download the song.

The album is named after their jam-pad in Delhi’s Karol Bagh, 16/330 Khajoor Road, where the band has rehearsed and composed since 1997, producing Kandisa, Jhini and Black Friday. The place appears to have some Karmic connection with music. Before partition, the Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz also used to live in the same house. The new album is a tribute to the almost spiritual energy of the house that has allowed the band to grow unfettered. The album also comprises almost all the last few songs in which the band’s former percussionist and vocalist, Asheem Chakravarty, participated in composing, performing and recording. Asheem sadly passed away on Dec 25, 2009, but the plan to release the album had been formulated with his full knowledge and consent last summer. It is only now that it becomes a “tribute” of sorts.

The songs are vintage Indian Ocean, with a few surprises thrown in. The classic line-up of the band comprising Susmit Sen, Asheem Chakravarty, Rahul Ram and Amit Kilam has produced songs ranging in mood from the contemplative to the inspirational to the political. The band is planning to tour all over the country with the album over the next few months. Be prepared to enjoy yourself!

-Sampurn Wire