Max Clouth describes the sound of his ensemble, the Max Clouth Clan, as jazz with a certain “German-ness” about it, fused with classical Indian music. “We like bands like Kraftwerk, Can and Ideal, that come from the Krautrock movement of the ’70s,” he says. The band’s new album, Kamaloka, explores this meeting of cultures. The band are on an India tour with the album and play at Blue Frog tonight, in association with Goethe Institut. 

The band comprises Max on guitar, Martin Standke on drums, Markus Wach on bass and pianist Andrey Shabashev. “We constantly change with our environment, especially while travelling through India. We wanted to translate that feeling into music,” Max tells us. 

The album is a combination of the unknown and the familiar, when it comes to melodies. The soundscape in songs such as Salt Lassi and MR, which feature collaborations with Indian musicians, bridge influences from Frankfurt to Mumbai, and range  from Indian rock to jazz. Kamaloka is a concept from ancient Indian philosophy — it’s about letting go of desires when you’ve left your body. “I have always found that fascinating, and so I ended up writing music to that,” he tells us, when asked  about the name of the album. At the gig, they will also perform a new track, Lucifer Rising / Surrender To What Is which is a collaboration with Indian singer and flautist Varijashree Venugopal. 

Rs. 499. Tonight, 9 pm. At Blue Frog, Church Street

 anagha@newindian express.com

@anaghzzz