BORROWED ELEMENTS: ROCK ENSEMBLE
THE ROCK ENSEMBLE
Music is nothing if not a collective set of inspired sounds. Genres tend to build off from each other to create new variations of the other. Incorporating varying elements, themes and sounds, they leave each other in a constant state of change. They evolve into unrecognizable versions of themselves giving rise to whole new niches and genres of music. These changes that influence the subtle, but certain evolution of music make for a fascinating study. Every slight variation, experiment or a drastic deviation from what is regarded as convention within a given genre makes for a new sub-genre. You can start off with rock ‘n roll, and build your way to heavy metal. Metal then creates its own subsets and subgenres giving rise to glam, thrash and extreme metal, to name…three.
We’ve journeyed enough to no longer have genre monopolized instruments. Challenging the traditional rock band formation of bassist, drummer, lead guitarist and vocalist, artists have taken to experimenting with their ensembles. While Vedic metal and psychedelic rock witnessed the use of sitars, tablas and other elements of Indian classical, rock in general has evolved to become incredibly diverse in its use of instruments. Linkin Park and Incubus are perhaps one of the better known alternative rock bands who chose to include a turntablist (DJ) in their ensemble. Slipknot’s, three percussionists aren’t as surprising as their own turntablist, Sid Wilson, aka #0.
Yet another example is melodic death metal, that infuse symphonic layers into their music, their roots running deep within Western classical influence. Musicians largely influenced by folk and mythology like America’s Celtic rock group Dropkick Murphys and Australia’s “The Rumjacks” use flutes and mandolins in addition to a host of other instruments to create a hard rock meets Scottish folk crossover.
India’s own set of fused elements within the genres of rock and metal can be observed with bands like Thaikkudam Bridge. This Kerala based 15 member band incorporate a plethora of oriental, folk, metal and classical elements to create subliminal symphonic undertones within their music. With three sound engineers, a violinist and a percussionist alongside six vocalists creates the potential for incredible versatility that shines through their music.
Moheener Ghoraguli, (literally Moheener horses), is another indie rock band, from Bengal. Co-founder, Gautam Chattophadyay, adds to the jazz sound with his saxophone, creating what they like to call “Baul Jazz.” Drawing sounds from western, jazz, rock and Bengali folk they add a seemingly psychedelic/ folk tone to their music.
Mrigya, traverse genres like blues, jazz, rock and funk, which given their band formation, is something one might anticipate. Without sticking to anything specific, they manage to maintain a subtle distinctiveness to their music. Gyan Singh adds an interesting percussive element to the band with the tabla while Sukriti Sen’s classical vocals create an intriguing blend with the somewhat western instruments of the rest of the band.
A highlight for all of the mentioned bands is the necessity of these elements involved in their music. The only way to make it work is by creating a definite sense of necessity. Using or borrowing elements in their capacity as a gimmick or whose sole purpose is to stand out without adding anything to the collective sound would be an absolute disaster. A perceptive audience sees right through fads, gimmicks and rebel musicians without a cause. If each element does not add value to the music it creates, there is no point to it. This of course implies that the true value of an element can only be measured in one way. Ie. Is the song worse off without the a single of its collective sounds?