Groovemine,
CD Review
>>
If it can be said that music truly has no boundaries, then Kartick & Gotam have just put the full stop at the end of that firm declaration. Though comparable to world-electronica contemporaries such as Celestial or The Spy From Cairo, Business Class Refugees emerges as something more raw, more sincere, and much less recognizable in terms of source material.
Though most of the collected sounds for the record have come from Central Asian origins, laptop musicians Kartick & Gotam have created a sound that is surrounded by distinct characteristics found throughout Western and West/Central Asian-North African styles. Or perhaps, Business Class Refugees is just that good at cutting through the easily available cliches. Why this amazing musical library is touted as a primarily electronic affair is somewhat of a mystery. It sounds too organic (aside from the occasional synthesizer and polished production values). Repetitive drum machines are replaced by enthusiastic percussion and thumping sub-bass is thankfully thrown out in favor of powerful and actually interesting bass guitar.
“Kartick & Gotam may have pushed into something altogether different, here; a new form that disregards traditional classification while respecting the traditional forms from which they have drawn their inspiration and sounds.”
On top of this engaging foundation lies the heart of the record, which is its use of folk instruments and vocalists from Central Asia; but it never sounds like only Central Asian music, or Western musicians trying to find that 'exotic' edge for their music. Kartick & Gotam may have pushed into something altogether different, here; a new form that disregards traditional classification while respecting the traditional forms from which they have drawn their inspiration and sounds. Nothing is out of place: it all syncs together, and it all works together.
The execution and resulting sound of this record make it stand out for its singular vision, made up of so many voices. Funk, folk, dub, salsa and jam rock are crawling all over this record, and the mixture results in pure energy, a nomadic hybrid that has created a remarkable point of light in the ever-shifting geography of world music. In scope, style and optimistic vibe, Business Class Refugees could be an anthem for 2010. 05/17/10
>> go there
|
