Bangalore: Alright! It’s now time for some music news to flow. Maybe I am a little late but the best ones are often recognized late. Bangalore sees no shortage of musicians, but that extra pinch of it is definitely here. Writers are often blamed for their unrealistic comments on music; I couldn’t stop laughing after reading this comment on Mashbale - “Really..? People, I thought this dude was a writer not an opera conductor.” But if it is your passion and profession you end up working a lot on it. This post is about the band “Swarathma”, personally my top favorite and professionally by no doubt, it is. This band has its deep roots in Mysore and the best branch here in Bangalore. After their first successful album, this folk rock band has launched their second album, Topiwalleh.

‘Topiwalleh is an eccentric cry from an acoustic guitar’, the notes sing about corrupt politicians. It is a ‘slap-ster’ on the wickedly-wrinkled faces of leaders. Each song has a knock. It can pull your ears to the rhythmic beat on a drum kit to the sweet cinematic screech on the violin. All it tries to say in the best voice ever is, an innocent cry for harmony and peace. The disk on sale is vibrant and creative, sleeping inside is a sheet which opens to open others eyes. The designs are brilliant; the entire concept of ‘Topiwalleh’ can make you stop, for sure! I take this as a responsibility to address the audience because Silicon India has 4.5 million readers and it is no joke! The album is great. The band has composed 10 songs which can be called sweet and honest for its musical fight against social evils.

Topiwalleh!
Warning- the lead first strikes your right ear, and then follows the rhythm and then the vocals. The Bob Marley – reggae riffing is supported with a bright strong vocal by Vasu, a voice that anybody would like. He sings out the lyrics to portray the act of wicked politicians. This song is specially dedicated to those men in white with a cap – ‘Topi’, who runs the show on news with scams. Strong bass to ensure the song is completely not reggae is an effort to be appreciated. Politicians and their chase for power is clearly displayed and the afterward of it is mockingly shown. This chart buster gets automatically rated first for its message and a strike on dirty politics.

Yeshu Allah aur Krishna
A lovely song with great sense, it asks you a question that needs an inner answer. This song is personally my favorite too; it brings in ‘Kabir’ as a character and throws light on secularism in a satirical manner. The lyrics don’t demand any degree to understand the song. A common slang of Hindi with those regular ‘Haaaiiiiiiiihhhhh’s and Ohhhhhhhho’s’, the song is a rock-folk-punk. Montry Manuel has slapped the skin hard to get the sound right and a soulful running bass by Jishnu Dasgupta and the feet tapping riff. More than a song it is complete messenger in a ‘sing-talk’ style. Swarathma will be remembered for this song.

Mukhote
Yet again a social messenger with a different vocal gear, it talks on how the leaders change colors and characters. The song actually makes you listen to a fact; a mask and its sweet little tale. It has a very nice start which can even tempt you, for a ring tone on your phone. This song takes an interesting note when it talks about the eternal characters from India- Liala and Majnu. The tune can make you smile as talks about the various types of masks we all wear every second.  Sanjeev Nayak on the violin has made it sound simple, though it’s really not. This lovely song is pleasant in its feel and trustworthy in its musical quality.

Rishton Ka Raasta
Now this is my favourite song in the entire album. The makers might have not really thought that this song would appeal to a large mass, but it did. The song has a very mellow and calm tune backed by excellent vocals. Many people whom I spoke to loved this song for its innocence. The song creates a peaceful mood and it can be heard on any occasion. It is a breather and easily draws the strongest attention in the easiest musical way. This song cannot really work out the magic the first time you hear it but the next time you click on ‘Track 03’ you are on it, all over it. It is a very addictive song with excellent words. Probably one of the best track in the second album.

Ghum
Now this is a song! The composition, the message and the vibe is simply spectacular. Pavan, the percussionist has mastered his instrument which shows in the song. The song has an amazing sound, it talks about child abuse. The chorus sung by all the members and the vocals by Vasu makes this song great. Varun can be titled with anything great for his perfect work. To listen to such songs from such great musician is an absolute luck. It has a little psychedelic flavor with a brilliant voice change by this lovely vocalist. I personally could not find a flaw in this composition. This song makes the album a perfect package. What more can one ask for? It is the best, I say. Then concept what it carries is great and it gives a ‘never seen-or-heard before’ feeling. I must say this is a ‘SOCIAL BAND’.
 

Koorane
Unique, different, creative and brilliant, this is how most of them would describe this song. It sounds a little sharp (not technically) but with its initial howl. The song is can be best experienced when these folks play it on stage. It turns out to be a different style again, though the band has its own style, it makes experimental songs but with great care and respect. This song has a ‘nomad-scream’, in every interval and soulfully in every line. It has some semi head banging strikes on the electric guitar and of course the rhythm is catchy with a folk feel. It also has a pinch of psychedelic sounds in the start but that is just fine. This song, by default becomes another feather in Swarathma’s hat.

The album also has ‘Duur Kinara’ a semi melodious medley by the band with the famous singer ‘Shubha Mudhgal’ joining Vasu on vocals and doing a magic; a little nostalgic one.  ‘Khul Ja Re’, ‘Naane Daari’ and ‘Aaj Ki Taaza Fikar’ are the other songs in the album which are indeed great but the ones explained are the best. Their music is available on( http://www.flipkart.com/topiwalleh-music/p/itmda2m87gdfperm?pid=AVMDA2AEF3ZDMQAZ&ref=9df3fb61-b3da-4d65-87c0-a273db23f79d) and other places. Just swipe your card; you will enjoy it this time. This band, for their social work, creativity and for being such great humans, need more support. A negative about the album is – Nothing really, but it would have been great if there were more number of such great songs in it.
The lyricists, the designers, photographers, technicians and above all the complete band (including guest artists) have proved a lot. Feels great to talk and write about them! Signing off, the usual way – Way to go Swarathma!!!!