Red Baraat: Bhangra Pirates

The exciting team of Red Baraat mix the sounds of South Asia with rock and jazz on this kaliedoscopic release. Thirteen musicians and vocalists veer in and out of the songs, like characters in a Bollywood movie, with bandleader, vocalist and dhol player keeping the direction focused. The horns are staccato’d like a mariachi band on “Se Hace Camino” while Indian strings and reed get into a raga groove for the free horns to wail on “Rang Barse.” Thunderous drums sound like a Metallica concert in Bangalore on “Layes” while maniacal vocal percussions swirl around with exotic horns on “Bhangale” and “ Tunak Tunak Tun.” Hints of hip hop at the frenziest of paces tam with a vocal chorus on the double timed title piece while a street celebration with trumpet and reeds gets you dancing on ”Horizontal Line.” I’ve yet to see this band in concert, but it must be something beyond imagination!  Like eating Indian pickles without any rice or yoghurt to dilute the potency!

www.redbaraat.com

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