In the debut album of Nepali fusion trio Kanta dAb dAb, the band explores youth and a hybrid sense of spirituality. The self-titled Kanta dAb dAb was launched two weeks ago, in tandem with a kickoff concert at Alliance Francaise in Kathmandu (pic). The band locates itself at the intersection between Newari tradition and influences of Western modernity.
Bassist Rizu Tuladhar, drummer Nikhil Tuladhar and sitarist Sunit Kansakar grew up together in a Newari neighbourhood, playing gigs amongst Thamel’s live performance circles. Their mutual experiences of growing up and sharing two decades of their musical careers together are the foundations of what they explore through the nine tracks in Kanta dAb dAb.
The name of the band and album stems from the mythical traditions its members grew up with. “We have one character called ‘kanta dab dab’ in our Newar community. It used to emerge during festival times, dressed up in red. But it never spoke a word. It was quite fascinating for us – very mystical,” recalls Rizu Tuladhar.
The signature tracks of the debut album are ‘Escapade’, ‘Aatman’ and ‘Kelikula’. Crafting a new form of soulful fusion grooves, ‘Escapade’ ebbs and flows on a mystical line where Eastern and Western melodies meet. With the sitar’s leading melody and a restrained bass and drum, the track makes for an unexpected musical journey.
