The music of India reaches back countless generations. Yet while some continue the old ways, the digital revolution has enabled musicians there, like everywhere else, to modernize and cross-pollinate at a rate that is nearly exponential. New Delhi's Midival Punditz, which is composed of Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj, are at the leading edge. Even so, the two look back to ragas, Indian classical and Bollywood even as they move forward with some of the sharpest programming to come out of the ethno-techno genre. They get old school flavor by bringing in Anoushka Shankar, Ustad Sultan Khan and others for standout performances, but these strong turns are a tribute to the production, writing and programming of Raj and Raina--the music is timeless, panoramic, and always moving forward with beats and groove. The styles are seamlessly fused together throughout, but tracks like "Saathi" and "Raanjhan" have set the bar to a new high for the duo and the genre. --Tad Hendrickson
Album Description
The MIDIval PunditZ are producers extraordinaire from New Delhi, India. When Six Degrees Records signed them to a worldwide deal, they became the first-ever Indian electronica band to sign to an international label. The PunditZ morph at will into remixers or recording artists, live performers or club promoters as the occasion demands. They have performed as members of Bill Laswell and Zakir Hussain's super group, Tabla Beat Science and have toured around the world as DJ's and performers. The PunditZ first, self titled CD spawned the underground anthem "Bhangra Fever" which has been used in a major mobile phone television campaign in India and is played regularly at Indian soccer matches. MIDIval Times is the follow-up release that Asian Massive fans have been waiting for. Once again fusing classical Indian traditions with cutting edge electronic dance music, the PunditZ have created a masterpiece which transcends genres. The new release features guest performances from Ravi Shankar's daughter (and the heir to his musical legacy), Anoushka Shankar as well as Tabla Beat Science member and sarangi master Sultan Khan. The tracks range from beautiful, lush ambient moods to dance-floor monsters which are as influenced by such groups as Underworld and the Chemical Brothers as they are by Indian music.
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