"Doob"

By the time this review is published, Ornob's latest release will be a part of everyone's collection. The guru of fusion and one of the few musicians in the country who's equally loved by the young and old, dives into his pool of thoughts scattered over the past six months and comes up with a compilation that evokes a wide range of opinions.

Released on occasion of Pahela Baiskhakh 1415 under the label of Bengal Music Company and sponsored by Nokia; Ornob's “Doob” has caught fast-paced attention, as predicted and tantamount lengths of appreciation and criticisms. The harmonious integration of local vibes with classical notes from the esraj and western grooves in the album presents its variations in the truest essence. With backup vocals by Sahana Bajpaie, a contemporary, well-established Rabindra Sangeet singer; the compositions are an uneven mixture of melancholy sounds and lurid beats.

'Adkhana', one of the most creative blends of catchy guitar vibes and powerful, yet simplistic lyrics, has quickly become a favourite to many. The song features Nemesis' guitarist Maher, and both Ornob and Sahana on vocals. 'Raastae', featuring Zohad from Nemesis, opens with the humming of contemporary riffs and continues to evolve into an easy-flowing, upbeat track. On the other hand, the lyrically beautiful 'Chai' is one of my personal favourites, beginning with a acoustic guitars strumming intro that perfectly throws into a sax solo by Andrew Morris, the Welsh musician from Blue Note. 'Noyono Tomare', a soft 11-minute rendition of one of Tagore's masterpieces draws an end to this 14-track compilation, featuring piano and clarinet played by London-based artist Idris Rahman.

While many draw parallels between the fusion of deep introspectiveness from 'Chaina Bhabish' to that of 'Doob', the latter evidently lacks the degree of intensity and sense of sophistication that distinguishes Ornob's debut and most mature album to date. The artist is constantly evolving; experimenting with new genres. With a psychedelic or acoustic rock feel to many of the tracks, 'Doob' is an album that diverse from Ornob's more signature style. Being a deeply emotional album imbued with personal ignis fatuus, this compilation presents itself as a soul searching journey into the mind of a wanderer.

What I love most about the album is how each number contradicts the other in terms of arrangement and instrumentation, yet forms an interconnecting web of thoughts and frustration we all share. However, for listeners like me who admire Ornob for the depth and force that made 'Chaina Bhabish' breathtakingly refreshing and memorable, 'Doob' falls short of expectations. In conclusion, each listener is a critic to one's individual taste, and Ornob's third offering embarks upon a new genre of music, disparate from his previous work, that may be an interesting addition to one's play list.

Published on 24/04/2008 in Rising Stars