This is a bit of a bummer.
Karnataka were a six-piece British female-fronted band that combined atmospheric progressive rock with celtic sounds. They had steadily been building up a reputation on the live circuit, spread largely by word-of-mouth. After listening their very impressive recent live album "Strange Behaviour", I was very much looking forward to seeing them on their planned tour this Autumn.
Sadly, it's not going to be: this is the message posted to the band's website, www.karnataka.org.uk.
Karnataka regret to announce that for personal reasons the band is no longer able to continue. We would like to thank all of you who supported us from our early gigs in 1998 up to the present, it is largely you who have made this journey so worthwhile for all of us and we hope that the music we have made together has been something that will continue to live on after the band.
So far, they've given no reason for the split.
Article comments
1 - Andrew Ian Dodge
Tim, did you rate this lot? I thought they were a tad dull and twee. I must admit I don't understand what the fuss was all about. I think Mostly Autumn does this sort of thing a wee bit better (well at least on their last album).
2 - Tim Hall
I had to make a serious reassessment of the band after hearing their live album.
Their studio albums do suffer from a rather flat and lifeless production that doesn't really do the material justice. The live versions of the same songs have a lot more colour and energy. "Strange Behaviour" also has some strong new material, which boded well for the future.
3 - Kuzzer
This is a tragedy. I had heard about the band for years - and something always came up to either stop me from seeing them live or getting an album.
Delicate Flame of Desire arrived today from Amazon. It is truly a beautiful record. I went on the Web to find out more - only to see they've split.
It's like love at first "hear" only to be jilted before meeting the person face-to-face.
Kuzzer
4 - Tim Hall
I'd been looking forward to seeing them on their UK tour scheduled for last month, sadly now cancelled. I never had the chance to seem them live, and all accounts I've heard say they're much better live than on record.
Still, I'm seeing Mostly Autumn on Wednesday night.