Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Exotic and serene, Looking Forward by Melodic Intersect, a septet of international musicians, explores variations of patterns and chord movements. It was composed using a myriad of string, brass, and percussive instruments. The arrangements have a Middle Eastern flare with influences of world-pop and improvised versing. The band’s melodic progressions maintain a state of flux that creates a plush landscape, which stimulates the aural sensors.
The balladry strokes of the percussive instruments comprised of Enayet Hossain on tabla and Qamar Abbass on cajon in conjunction with Hidayet Khan on sitar give “Without Borders” a striking Middle Eastern twang. Joy Islam’s guitar strings flex a Turkish dervish whirl through “The Chase,” as the rippling beats of the percussion reverberates with a perceptible quake. Dance-like silhouettes embellish “Memory Lane” with whimsical figures, and the heavy tones of Fred Koch’s saxophone bring an earthy quality to the meditative soundscapes of “Starry Gaze.”
The drowsy wails of Koch’s saxophone color “Adolescence” in a bluesy aura, as if intentionally inciting listeners to fall into a deep slumber. Conversely, the sprawl of guitar strings strewn across “Jazzy Streets of Mumbai” move in spontaneous forms, making for a lively atmosphere. The fluctuating chord patterns produce mobility and tranquility in the listener’s mind as the mercurial chords lobe and twirl with spur-of-the-moment vigor.
Looking Forward by Melodic Intersect is a combination of international influences and melodic sensibilities. Every nook and cranny is filled with pleasing sensations, each meditative and serene to the listener’s mind. The band keeps the music in a state of flux, following the natural flow of where their notes take their instruments. Their destination is serenity, but how they arrive there is an uncharted path.
Musicians:
Enayet Hossain – tabla, Hidayat Khan – sitar, Joy Islam – guitar, Greg Hatza – keyboards, Fred Koch – saxophone, Qamar Abbass – cajon, Avirodh Sharma – world percussion
