New Delhi: The South Side Story music festival recently played host to one power-packed performance after another by City-based Carnatic progressive rock band Agam which has been setting new highs for fusion music in India with its eclectic blend of traditional Indian classical and contemporary rock. Fronted by ever-energetic Harish Sivaramakrishnan, the band launched into powerhouse renditions that left the audience asking for more. But the real showstopper was an announcement by Harish of Agam’s upcoming album “the biggest creation yet.”
In a brief interaction with the audience, Harish hinted at the scale of their latest effort. “This album is different from everything that we have touched so far,” he revealed, excitement compelling in his voice. “We have given our heart and soul for every track, and that reflects the growth and evolution of Agam as a band. Right from intricate Carnatic progressions to hard-hitting rock elements, this is our biggest creation yet.”
It has sent a section of its fans into a tizzy one who had waited for years, still waiting to get fresh music from the band after its last album “A Dream to Remember” which came out in 2017. Since then, Agam has played live but released only stray singles. So, an announcement regarding a full-bodied album was all one could dream of.
As Harish explained further in how this album chronicled their journey over these years, “We are experimenting with different sounds, instruments, and forms of music we have never used before. This is an album that chronicles the collective experiences, influences, and the sheer joy of making music together.”
The band has always had a reputation for the complex layering of traditional Carnatic ragas with heavy guitar riffs and complex time signatures. But Harish managed to let it slip that the new album would be pushing the borders further. “We are introducing new instruments, and we are collaborating with some great artists who bring new dimensions to our music. Each track has its story and flavor,” he quipped wittily, giving away a hint about probable guest appearances sure to raise the appeal of the album a notch higher.
The pandemic years were unkind to most artists, but Agam used this period for introspection and creation. “We were separated physically, but creatively we were more connected than ever,” says Harish. Spread across cities, members tapped the power of technology and wrote in and recorded with each other remotely. This separation brought in fresh purpose and creative freedom, enabling them to experiment sans the usual shackles of studio recording sessions.
Agam’s music has always been a celebration of Indian culture, infusing modern rock sensibilities. And yes, this album does seem to carry on with that tradition, even with more vigor. The evocative vocals of Harish, intermingling in perfect sync with the mastery of the other band members over their instruments, create a soundscape that is firmly rooted in tradition and yet is excitingly contemporary.
“Every song is a tale, a rejoicing of who we are and where we come from. It’s also a tribute to our roots and our journey ahead,” says Harish. A promise this album assures of immersion into Agam’s artistic ethos-fusing the past, present, and future of Indian music.
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He did not let the cat out of the box as to when that would be, but Harish calmed the audience, saying it would be well worth their wait. “We are in the final stages of production, and I just can’t wait for y’all to hear it,” he said, driving them wild.
Having Agam all ready for what seems to be a milestone release, the best that can be hoped from fans is that this new album redefines the topography of Indian fusion music and once more raises new bars where it involves creativity and musical excellence. Having been promised their “biggest creation yet” by Harish Sivaramakrishnan, anticipation couldn’t have been greater.
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