Review: Light Tribe – Shaa’ir + Func

It is perhaps interesting to note that over the last month Shaaâ??ir + Func have got more media coverage than any other Indian independent music act. There are several explanations for this apart from just great PR courtesy their new record label, Blue Frog Records. Conceivably the most important among these is the fact that independent music in India has become a pretty printable proposition. Clever alliterations aside, Indian artists receive the CCs in major newspapers and magazines almost daily.

Shaaâ??ir + Func have a particularly photogenic demeanor. Their act is camera ready and the ever-hungry mainstream press lap it up. Their live shows often feature interludes where Monica Dogra (Shaaâ??ir) speaks about how weâ??re oppressed, and how we can be free, and the system, and the government, and choice. When executed efficiently, the result is instant applause and adoration amongst a growing live music audience. Itâ??s easy to love them because theyâ??re unlike alternative and more energetic than jazz. Theyâ??re the reflection of what we want our music scene to look like.

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It also betrays an air of pretense.

Light Tribe is the bandâ??s sophomore effort, following the pretty successful New Day. Where their debut was a little more experimental in its sound, Light Tribe focuses on bass-synth heavy electronica thatâ??s catchy, anthemic and very political. At the outset it must be said that the songs sound much better live than on CD. The processed rhythms and percussion are mediocre replacements for Randolph Correiaâ??s (Func) guitar crunch and the thumping beat and crashing cymbals of Lindsay Dâ??Melloâ??s skins expertise.

Shaaâ??ir + Func have evolved their sound confidently. At many times New Day seemed indecisive; the band was finding its feet, visibly so. Light Tribe grips you far easier. There are definite electro-rock trappings and pop sensibilities that come through instantly. The eponymous album opener is a clear example of a good melody that blends samples and voice effects with heavy synth. The same formula is applied to most of the albumâ??s catchy tracks.

Thematically, Shaaâ??ir + Func seem terribly oppressed. The extent of their political prejudice is unclear but itâ??s safe to say that the band donâ??t seem quite happy with the way our country is run. This is something though that was quite expected, being already expressed in the song â??Governmentâ?? on New Day. On this album lyrics like â??We are like the tide lapping on silent warsâ? (â??Freedomâ??) and â??Who says that art isnâ??t a part of the system we live inâ? (â??Who Says?â??) reflect a band thatâ??s beginning to consider itself important. Problem is that where, in a live setting, these words easily garner praise, in the comfort of your home/car/headphones they come off affected.

All is not lost however as musically this album is a refreshing turn for the band. Itâ??s alternative, itâ??s energetic, itâ??s catchy. Itâ??s easily going to sell, especially at the close of their gigs.

Shaaâ??ir + Func know that right now, theyâ??re one of Indiaâ??s premier music acts. Whether thatâ??s a function of their image or their music, the fact remains that they are one of only a handful of artists that have the wherewithal to take the Indian independent music scene international. Light Tribe is their middle ground â?? one that undoubtedly will make them Indian indie heroes.

Indiecision: B+

This review originally appeared in JAM magazine.