The Three Seas
Antaḥkaraṇa
The Three Seas by Sandip Roy
In a world where new music often sounds just like everything else out there, it is a rare moment when something totally unique, interesting and infectiously good comes along. That is exactly what The Three Seas have managed to achieve with their new album Antahkarana (Sanskrit for “inner instrument”), an eleven-track record that feels vibrant and fresh, brought into the world by a band that has come together and broken down the restrictions of borders and melded tradition with a modern outlook.
From the first moments of Into the Night, the atmosphere builds slowly with the first introduction to Raju Das Baul's voice as he outlines the state of the world today and the hope for change. It is a short track but a very poignant one. There is a lot to take in at first with the many varied instruments that build the backbone of the album. With songs like Prithibi showcasing the band's vocal harmonies, which are sublime, the main vocals are powerful and the rhythm is easy to get your toes tapping to.
From the first moments of Into the Night, the atmosphere builds slowly with the first introduction to Raju Das Baul's voice as he outlines the state of the world today and the hope for change. It is a short track but a very poignant one. There is a lot to take in at first with the many varied instruments that build the backbone of the album. With songs like Prithibi showcasing the band's vocal harmonies, which are sublime, the main vocals are powerful and the rhythm is easy to get your toes tapping to.
Album Artwork:Pat_Harris ,Photography by Brendan_Clark
Toward the end of the album, The Three Seas give us a real musical treat with Real World, a song that is very heavy on the saxophone, which sounds stunning against the glorious bassline. It is a true gem and definitely a song that deserves a click of the replay button. In fact, the whole album is one that really does deserve to be played right through; each individual track is great; however, they have been curated in such a way that there isn't a moment that I felt like hitting pause or skipping a track. The album makes perfect sense as a complete unit.
The Three Seas are more than just a collaboration; they sound like they are a musical group that are in step with each other, with each member playing an integral part in the overall sound. The members of The Three Seas are Raju Das Baul (lead vocals, khamak); Deo Ashis Mothey (vocals, dotora, esraj, guitar); Gaurab “Gaboo” Chatterjee (vocals, drums, dupki, guitar); Brendan Clark (electric bass, dotora, vocals); and Matt Keegan (baritone saxophone, harmonium, vocals). Additional performances include Dave Rodriguez (electric guitar and FX), Hilary Geddes and Amy Curl (backing vocals). As you can see, there are so many elements to this group, but there are no spare parts.
The Three Seas are more than just a collaboration; they sound like they are a musical group that are in step with each other, with each member playing an integral part in the overall sound. The members of The Three Seas are Raju Das Baul (lead vocals, khamak); Deo Ashis Mothey (vocals, dotora, esraj, guitar); Gaurab “Gaboo” Chatterjee (vocals, drums, dupki, guitar); Brendan Clark (electric bass, dotora, vocals); and Matt Keegan (baritone saxophone, harmonium, vocals). Additional performances include Dave Rodriguez (electric guitar and FX), Hilary Geddes and Amy Curl (backing vocals). As you can see, there are so many elements to this group, but there are no spare parts.
Album Artwork:Pat_Harris ,Photography by Brendan_Clark