When it comes to understanding Bombay Dub Orchestra's second album "3 Cities", it may help to compare it to their first, self-titled album. The flavor, the essence of what makes them different, yet the same, is as if you're standing in London while looking Southeast, to India. From there, you'll see the first album. For 3 Cities, trade positions, and look from India toward London.

1. Egypt By Air
2. Journey
3. Strange Constellations
4. Junoon
5. Spiral
6. Map of Dusk
7. Fallen
8. Greenish Blue
9. Monsoon Malabar
10. Feasting With Panthers
11. Amina

Of course there are a number of nuances that make this simple analogy an easily argued point. In fact, I'm sure that Garry Hughes and Andrew Mackay, Bombay Dub Orchestra's guiding masterminds, still have their hearts firmly beating on London's streets, as do several of the musicians they worked with, but for those who make their living in Mumbai, there will be little question that this is music from a very western perspective.

Despite the academics of origin there is no argument that this duo create exceedingly beautiful music. Bombay Dub Orchestra work extensively with musicians and vocalists from Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and Chennai. Whether their training is classical or modern doesn't matter. It is the fusion of musical talents between these three cities, which includes London, that inspired the album's title. Some of the vocal performances, though performed by Indian singers, were recorded in London.

As far as this class of music goes, Bombay Dub Orchestra have honed their skill to a fine level. It's easy to place them on par with such a respected producer as Nitin Sawhney. Thoroughly relaxing, and uncommonly solid.

Add a Comment