What makes Kalak by Sarathy Korwar notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to blending traditional Indian sounds with modern jazz elements. It notably addresses colonial history and cultural memory, which resonated with listeners and critics alike, solidifying Korwar's position as a significant figure in contemporary music discussions around heritage and identity. Kalak is Sarathy Korwar's third studio album, released in November 2022, following his acclaimed project, More Arriving (2020). At this point in his career, Korwar had established himself as a unique voice in the fusion of jazz and Indian classical music, further developing his exploration of cultural identity and historical storytelling.

How many songs are on Kalak?

Kalak has 11 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Kalak

Sarathy Korwar · 2022

42 min · 11 tracks

A blend of intricate rhythms and reflective melodies that explores historical narratives through a contemporary lens.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Utopia Is a Colonial Project — This track critically examines the concept of utopia through a post-colonial lens, combining complex rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics that challenge idealized narratives.
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To Remember — With a haunting melody and evocative instrumentation, this track serves as an emotional anchor on the album, emphasizing the importance of memory in shaping identity.
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Kal Means Yesterday and Tomorrow — This title track encapsulates the album’s central theme of temporal fluidity, using rich textures that weave together past influences and future aspirations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

77 /100

Alpine

Higher than 80% of albums we've rated

Kalak blends intricate rhythms and reflective melodies, showcasing a unique fusion of jazz and Indian sounds.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate traditional Indian instruments alongside jazz elements, blending genres seamlessly.
The track titles suggest a narrative arc, with themes of memory and history woven into the music's structure.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 A Recipe to Cure Historical Amnesia 1:04
2 To Remember 5:12
3 Utopia Is a Colonial Project 4:17
4 Back in the Day, Things Were Not Always Simpler 5:13
5 The Past Is Not Only Behind Us, but Ahead of Us 4:48
6 Kal Means Yesterday and Tomorrow 5:01
7 Remember Begum Rokheya 4:10
8 That Clocks Don’t Tell but Make Time 2:48
9 Remember Circles Are Better Than Lines 4:02
10 Remember to Look out for the Signs 4:52
11 Kalak - A Means to an Unend 1:06

What to play next

Go back to

More Arriving

2019

Full Sarathy Korwar discography Artists like Sarathy Korwar

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata