Sarathy Korwar’s groundbreaking new album, KALAK, is out now. Following 2019’s award winning More Arriving album, Korwar once again presents an immersive, fully-formed evolution of his sound and vision. An Indo-futurist manifesto, it sets out to describe a route forward, while celebrating a rich South Asian culture of music and literature, which resonates with spirituality and community. Meticulous production comes courtesy of New York electronic musician, DJ and producer Photay, translating these communal rhythms and practices into a timeless electronic record.

In contrast to the direct nature of More Arriving, KALAK is a more nuanced and contemplative record, while maintaining the urgency of its predecessor. From the darkness and friction emerges a new energy to imagine things differently. There’s a spirituality and warmth at play in the polyrhythms, group vocals and melodic flourishes.

The KALAK rhythm is the fulcrum upon which the 11-track project balances. After an intense period of reflection and note-making, Korwar boiled this down to the circular KALAK symbol. He’s put this explainer video together to shed more light on it.

If you’re wondering what the press have to say, here’s a little selection:

5/5, The Guardian – Global Album Of The Month

“An indo-futurist manifesto via sophisticated and intense rhythmic investigations”
4/5, Mojo

“This is rebel music as passive resistance, blissfully embodying change”
8/10, Uncut

Go deeper into Korwar’s world with his recent takeover of the Bandcamp Weekly radio show and his Indian Folk Takeover on NTS. Both well worth a listen.

KALAK is available in three vinyl editions, black, dark green and a special Dinked Edition crystal clear vinyl, plus on CD and each with a different cover image. All vinyl editions include an 8-page booklet, created by Sijya Gupta, with Korwar’s notes on the concepts behind the project. The Dinked Edition, released in a numbered limited edition of 400, is available exclusively from select independent UK record shops and will also include a rotating card KALAK rhythm wheel.

KALAK is in record shops in the UK & Europe now, with the physical release for rest of the world at a later date.Listen/buy

Korwar has a run of dates with his band this later this month and they play Brick Lane Jazz Festival in April next year. We were fortunate enough to see them debut KALAK live at Le Guess Who? festival last night. It’s the start of something very special. Get your tickets now…

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