When Anindo Bose first met Pavithra Chari for an audition he conducted in New Delhi, little did he know that the latter’s demo vocal lines would turn out to be the duo’s debut song (released in 2014). Interestingly, the four-member band, Shadow and Light, was named after the opening line of their first song. “We eventually decided to make Shadow and Light our stage name. Moreover, it signifies the idea of duality and contrast, which reflects heavily in our songwriting. We believe that in this world, everything comprises of shadow and light. One cannot exist without the other,” says Pavithra, vocalist and lyricist. Apart from the duo, the outfit comprises Aveleon Vaz on drums and Steve Peter on bass.
Although the two have different styles of music, Anindo’s sounds on keyboard blend perfectly with Pavithra’s Classical songs and together, they have been working on a sound that combines electronica, jazz and Indian classical. “We let the melody rise above everything else. Pavithra also sings in English but reinterprets the same style in her own way, which further lends the songs a unique flavour. Having composed so many songs over the years we have just become more comfortable fusing different genres,” shares Anindo. The duo has performed at many popular music festivals, including NH7 Weekender and has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Karsh Kale, Anoushka Shankar and Benny Dayal.
Their recently released album, Sabar, is a melange of intense emotional experiences, expressed through poignant songwriting and contemporary classical compositions. Drawing inspiration from the process of creation and growth, the title is an adaptation of the Arabic word ‘sabr’ signifying ‘patience’. The album has eight songs, which are written on various perspectives of gratitude, grief, contempt, perseverance, inspiration, and aspiration. “Sabar is a testimony to our hard work and patience. Lyrically, we have expressed strong emotional themes through groovier tunes. It’s also got a bit of a retro vibe, though the soundscapes and textures are modern,” informs Pavithra, adding that their primary principle has been of complete originality, from the mixing, recording, lyrics and studio work, it’s all done by the band.
The artwork for the album, especially sketched by Pallab Baruah, beautifully showcases emotions and various components of nature together. It’s a representation of the cycle of desires in life. “The hand of destiny holds us in place and balances the cycle of ups and downs. If you look closer, you can see silhouettes of our faces. Pallab managed to sketch them out perfectly based on our photographs. He took his time, listening to and absorbing all the songs in the album. And he’s summed it up brilliantly,” says Pavithra.
On March 18, 8 pm onwards. At Tabula Rasa - Bar.