26th January …
India’s Republic Day marks the occasion of the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic, but that’s not really what I want to talk about. On this day, the media puts on a display of patriotic films and songs everything from Meri Desh ki Dharti by Mahendra Kapoor to A.R. Rahaman’s Maa Tuje salaam.
However there is an album out there, rare and hardly listened to, Vande Mataram: An Electronic Exploration. Vande Mataram meaning “Salutation to the Motherland”, brings together an array of accomplished artists to showcase the talent of Indian Electronica.
Vande Mataram is a song composed by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay in a concoction of Bengali and Sanskrit, was the national cry for freedom from British oppression during the freedom movement. It has virtually become a second national anthem and to some it is considered as the anthem.
Vande Mataram: An Electronic Exploration – is exactly what it is. As the age of electronica develops so do the artists, and this album portrays the proficiency, dexterity and an aptitude for the best in modern Indian Electronica. It paints a vivid picture of the traditional Vande Mataram in many colours. Each colour is like a different avatar, providing unique dimensions and perspectives yet retaining Vande Mataram’s original significance.
Recommend listening :
- Electro Indian Mix – Midival Punditz
- Rocktronics – Func International
- Ambient Dub Mix – Jayant
- Pathshala Mix – Bandish Projekt