Eclectic, genre-bending New Delhi duo Shadow and Light return with their sophomore album, Elements. Like most Indian artists, they refuse to be boxed in by genre labels, and the result is a smorgasbord of different styles. Everything from pop to jazz to cinema soundtrack to Hindustani classical textures ebb and flow and crash together in the lush soundscapes of Elements.
Shadow and Light was born out of a ion for such diverse styles shared by Pavithra Chari and Anindo Bose. What started as a personal experiment with musical minimalism soon evolved into the rich and varied sounds heard on their self-titled 2014 debut, which earned them high-profile slots at festivals across India, including Chandigarh Jazz Festival and Fete de la Musique. Not ones to rest on their laurels, however, Shadow and Light have pushed both personal and artistic boundaries on Elements.
“This album is a representation of a change in my mindset and my perspective on the things in my life.”, Pavithra tells us. “It is more specific than the first album and I would consider it an emotional step forward.” The emotional weight which she brings to the duo’s sound is revealed by the lyrical subjects, with everything from the process of writing music to setbacks in the pursuit of personal goals to considerations of the nature of love featuring on the record. Even for those lacking the linguistic skills to fully appreciate her Hindi lyrics (although the English-language segments are equally sublime), the power and nuance Pavithra’s voice reveals their ion and nuance.
The evolution of the band’s sound is not restricted to the lyrics, however. Anindo reveals, “I have certainly tried to push myself out of my comfort zone on this album. There are plenty of synth and piano solos, which reflect my musical influences and my immense love for bass in particular has motivated me to experiment a lot more with moving bass lines. Be sure to listen carefully for all other elements!”
These really are the best words to hear before hearing Elements for the first time. As with the best boundary-pushing music, it’s presented as an adventure: an opportunity to discover a cacophony of complimentary and contrasting influences and textures. And when it’s packaged so beautifully, Pavithra’s voice and Anindo’s keyboard and bass skills reeling the listener in so seductively, you’ll want to get lost in these elements for hours.
Elements is available for free streaming on Soundcloud now.
