Saturday, September 14, 2013

CD Review: Nikhil Karula's 'Solo Sessions'

Nikhil Karula
Solo Sessions
Groove Infinity Records

The California-based pop/rock jam band, Nikhil Karula, brings us Dave Matthews Band-esque melodies and some vocals. Nikhil is the lead vocalist, acoustic guitarist, and electric guitarist. He is joined by Ray Bergstrom on lead electric guitar, Matt Spencer on bass, Adam Gust on drums, Zane Musa on sax, and Chris Lovejoy on percussion. The five-track release, opens with "Spark." The tune is rather mellow with fluid sounds and a jam band presence. "He Said, She Said" is a more laid-back tune with light guitar accompaniment and soft sax with equally soft vocals. "Broken Roads" begins with a B3-type sound and Southern-tinged guitar accompaniment. This is a Southern rock anthem that is unique and fresh. "Silent Tears" is a rather pensive pop song with a somber tone on violin and piano. "Fade Away" is an uppity jam tune with lively guitar, percussion, and vocals. The instrumentation overall is rather memorable and varied. Some of the vocals are a bit forced in some places, but it is nothing too difficult to swallow overall. ~ Matthew Forss

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