Rootless stayed loyal to their title with their debut single, Rakitaki Tanana, the place Indian rhythms and Romani motifs collide with out battle. What sparks from the collision is greater than fusion; it’s the beginning of a brand new language, folklore reimagined for a contemporary period the place shared heritage paints the current with richer colors. The observe is not any ear-candy novelty both; it strikes immediately on the soul and syncs with the physique’s personal rhythmic impulses, which explains how the official video has already surged near 100k streams on YouTube.
The interaction of tabla and dhol supplies the heartbeat, whereas flamenco-style guitar, saxophone, and bass pull the sound into a up to date carnival, leaving the hovering vocals to string storytelling by way of the instrumentation. It’s music as cultural archaeology and invention in equal measure, a reminder that custom doesn’t fossilise however evolves when positioned in new contexts.
Rootless are a collective drawing on the historic connection between Romani and Indian lineages. With members from Romani outfit ZOR alongside Indian musicians similar to Sodhi, host of the Speaking Tabla podcast, the group represents cultural reclamation and a name to have a good time the bonds that also tie individuals throughout continents. Their music is as a lot a dwelling celebration as it’s a efficiency, a avenue pageant performed out in sound and motion.
Rakitaki Tanana is now out there on all main streaming platforms – together with YouTube and Spotify.
Overview by Amelia Vandergast
