NIKHIL
Nikhil (self-released)
Live 9-22-03 (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Named for lead singer/acoustic guitarist Nikhil Korula, Nikhil is a seven piece outfit that generally operates in the jam band mode, but offers a couple intriguing twists to the formula.

One is in the material, all penned by Kerula, which incorporates Caribbean and soul elements into a strong pop framework. The other is the lineup, which features a twin sax (alto and tenor) attack and a pair of percussionists, one on a trap set and the other with a wide range of Latin percussion options, along with an electric guitarist and a bassist augmenting Kerula's acoustic rhythm guitar.

Kerula has a strong voice, equally effective on ballads and the band's groove-oriented rave ups. If there's anything here to grouse about, it's that it would be nice to hear a bit more of these guys. While they take the room to stretch out a bit more on the live disc by limiting it to four tracks, both offerings combine for less than an hour of music. They seem to have enough strong material to merit a full length release, but they're still at the EP stage of their career. Hopefully the five tracks on the studio album and the four track live set will generate the kind of buzz that leads to a complete package. They've got the tunes and talent to merit much wider attention and a more expansive palette.

Track Lists:

Nikhil: Love Will Make Your Day * Freedom * When I Look In Your Eyes * Till We Dance * If I Could

Live 9-22-03: Tonight * Livin' * Lift Your Head * The Way Things Work

© 2004 - Shaun Dale