Contemplative gets upbeat

In Mukul Deora's new album titled, what heart. this one promises to be more personal, even questioning the existential matters of heart

In Mukul Deora's new album titled, what heart. this one promises to be more personal, even questioning the existential matters of heart

Part of a five-member collective, Mukul Deora surfaces with a new album, What Heart, a follow-up to his 2006 debut album Stray. There were attempts made to describe Stray too, all largely unsuccessful, and a press release describes his latest work as "wistful electropop". We ask if the words come from him. "Absolutely," he replies, "but I also like electric soul." And so, the attempts continue.

What can be pointed to with some certainty, after listening to a few preview tracks like In The Flesh, Gristle Read, Scraps, Befriend is the shift in mood. Looking at you lie... on my bed I wish we never said goodbye, sings Mukul, his unhurried manner much the same as three years ago. What did he hope to capture, we ask, in terms of ambience? "The album is still contemplative," he explains, "but more upbeat. It's a nod to my rock and electronica influences over the last decade. I had to teach myself how to sing and play guitar, and get deep into dance music production."

For an artiste so obviously influenced by the city he lives in (Stray actually incorporated sounds of everyday life in Mumbai), the musician calls the current album more personal. "The title track deals with existential questions, like what heart is it that beats in me?" The answers may take a while, what with an experimental performance with Kalaripayattu dancers he has coming up, followed by a promotional tour, and a platform for experimentation that will incorporate not just music, but art and film at some point.

What matters in the end is audience support. Do your bit, and treat your ears to something other than Chiggy Wiggy.

Mukul Deora launches What Heart today at Blue Frog, Lower Parel.
Call: 40332300.

If you want to get a taste of Mukul's brand of music, log on to www.myspace.com/mukulsmusic for a
sneak peak