Sharaab?s Infusion is intoxicating
11/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In our part of the world, Sharaab is wine or an intoxicant. In this part of the world Sharaab is a skillful deejay, guru of tablatronica who brings the east and the west together, and comes up with a delightful confection called Infusion.Atlanta-based Sharaab, or Saurab Bose is the latest of tablatronica masters based in the United States to release an album, following on the heels of Brown Sounds debut EP and Karsh Kale's two albums. I have been familiar with his music for a really long time, and have been a big fan of his work on steel wheels.Lets now focus on the highlights of the album: tracks EarthandSky, Firewater, Sanyasi and Future Roots are infections and highly likeable blend of eastern chants, sarangi and other classical Indian instruments with the pounding drum-and-bass beats. The greatest thing about this album is how Sharaab has brought in a whole range of Indian elements - from Rajasthan to Bengal to even Punjab - into this delightful blend. For that reason alone, I think this album is worth the price. And then you get to Origin Eight, Infusion and a brownsploitation mix of Birdrohi. After repeatedly listening to this album I have come to a conclusion - as the album progresses, one gets a feeling that Sharaab is getting comfortable in his own sound.I can hardly wait for his next album; for I know he will blow the woofer off my stereo system. As an aside, I think Sharaab really shines when the beat count drops below 100, and perhaps his next album should be a chill-out album. (http://gigaom.com/nri)"