Parachute XVI Opens Up

Bengaluru-based Parachute XVI is a heady mix of matured spirits spiked with a dash of improvisational tease. Throw a couple of seasoned musicians with different musical backgrounds together and watch them dive into a freewheeling jam that resounds with the sonic leanings of bands like Cream and King Crimson. Conceived of by vocalist/guitarist Ananth Menon (Galeej Gurus) and bassist/lyricist Ganesh Krishnaswamy (ex-Kryptos,) this “progadelic blues” band is completed by keyboardist Snehal Pinto (ex-Galeej Gurus) and drummer Sachin Moogi (ex-Feedback, If). It’s a tested and tried bunch exploring new horizons, and perhaps justifying their alternative callings in music.

The bands debut EP, Sodium Trail and the Current Beatdown Voice out this month, is a classic evocation of blues and jazz interpretations rendered during the era of Sixties/Seventies psychedelia. As much as the band is influenced by the aforementioned genres, it is heavily influenced by newer progressive bands like Porcupine Tree and Pure Reason Revolution. “The idea was to form the sort of band we would listen to on a day-to-day basis, stuff we grew up on and admire. For instance, a lot of King Crimson and Donnie Brook. The music we listen to pretty much ranges from string jazz to a lot of Swedish death metal to electronica to the blues,” says Krishnaswamy. Though Swedish death metal and electronica not being evident reflections, they do subtly influence lyrical themes and the general attitude and approach of this project. Pinto’s jazzy spin on the keys with its distinct Hammond organ like tonality spruces up the sound, though his overriding influences remain in the likes of Chick Corea, Bill Evans and Led Zeppelin he is abreast with a lot of contemporary music as he works for a radio station. Menon dishes out heavy doses of the blues in his guitar phrases/solos, which also has something to do with the band’s songwriting wherein “improvisation is key.” “We guys rehearse a lot and a lot of stuff comes up while jamming. Improvisation is a big part of what we do. I particularly like the blues so mine is mostly an improvisational activity. You know, if you’re an improvisational cook a lot of great stuff can come out of it,” says Menon. Lyricist Krishnaswamy prefers not to be very evident when writing a song. “My lyrics aren’t very straightforward and you won’t find lambasting meanings coming out of them, it’s all very subtle,” he says. The outdoors seem to be very inspiring to him as two songs skirt that theme. ”˜60 Watt Sun’ urges one to move out instead of holing up at home in front of play stations and televisions, whereas ”˜Walk: Rewind’ is a lyrical and sonic attempt to capture the experience of trekking up a mountain. ”˜05/04’ is his dedication to a close friend he lost five years ago. The fourth track on the EP, ”˜Mobius’ Trip’ is an instrumental which emphasises the virtues of this proficient bunch.