After almost eighteen years in the works, the former Ex Libras frontman and singer begins his solo project, as he unveils the gorgeous, yet challenging, single ‘Spells & Charms & Broken Homes’.
They say good things come to those who wait, but for Amit Rai Sharma the wait has tested his own view of an industry notoriously cut-throat. With his band Ex Libras on the rise and the verge of breaking into the mainstream, an unfortunate, albeit cliched, situation saw the band’s ambitions grind to a halt, leaving Amit at a crossroads of his career in music.
Having taken the decision to move to Taiwan, it took the love and support of family and friends to reinvigorate Amit’s desire to release new music. And thank goodness they did. Revisiting old recordings he’d started a far back as 2007, and had continued to develop and work on over the years, Amit began to compile a collection of songs fit for an album.
The result is the creation of album ‘Bnju’ and his debut track ‘Spells & Charms & Broken Homes’. For the listener, the single is a sonic delight. It also gives an insight into Amit’s personal life, as well as serving as a beacon of inspiration to all of us not to give up on our dreams.
The joy in Amit’s delivery is clear. Free of the pressures of the politics of the music industry, Amit is able to create. Emote. Be. The song is about his upbringing, his parents failed arranged marriage, and the social and cultural pressures that get passed down through traditions.
Not only are the lyrics culturally and socially thought provoking, the arrangement itself is exhilarating. Undulating throughout, the song comes in at just over seven minutes long. Not one for the casual listener, but for those who like music to challenge. Part indie, part alternative, but wholly electric and eclectic, ‘Spells & Charms & Broken Homes’ is a great opening gambit of what should be a truly exciting album release.
‘Spells & Charms & Broken Homes’ is out now.