Cassini's Division

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This article is not about the Cassini Division in the rings around the planet Saturn.
Cassini's Division

Background information
Origin Calcutta, India
Genre(s) Modern Indian Rock
Years active 2001–present
Website www.cassinisdivision.com
Members
Rahul Guha Roy
Sukanti Roy
John Bose
Ludo
Former members
Shamik Chatterjee
Arka Das


Cassini's Division is a Modern Indian Rock band. Formed in 2001, it is named after the Cassini Division in the rings of Saturn, and is one the pioneers of this genre, and their music involves elements of punk rock, alternative rock and Indian music.

Contents

[edit] Lineup

[edit] Former Members

Shamik Chatterjee: Bass, backing vocals

Arka Das: Drums, backing vocals

[edit] Overview

Based in Calcutta, probably the most diverse music lovers hub in India, a city that has hosted musicians ranging from John McLaughlin to Joe Satriani, this band is the forerunner in breaking out of the monotonous classic rock cycle and one of the first bands to modernise Indian music by fusing it with punk and heavy metal influences. Compositions range from melodic riff-based songs with vocal harmonies to a modern mix of clean tone with textured distortion, this quartet is all set to bridge the gap between Indian musicians and Western rockers.

[edit] History

[edit] Testing Times and Change (2002)

Cassini's Division was founded in 2001 at Rahul's Salt Lake residence when Rahul, Sukanti, Shamik and Arka (Dodo) started jamming on original material. Much of the songwriting was to Rahul's credit, with the band coming together to arrange the music. In mid-2001, Arka's younger brother Ritoban (Ludo) joined as the percussionist. The band went on to record it's first demo EP, Animal Wisdom, in late 2001 with this line-up. Shamik left the band in mid-2002 citing personal issues and was replaced on bass duties by John, a musician acquaintance of Rahul's and an associate of the band. Arka left the band in November 2004 due to a status quo as far as the musicality of the band was concerned, and citing poor musicianship/little effort to improve from some of the then members. Wanting to tide over this crucial period, and concerned over the possibilities of having to cancel out on gig dates, the band decided to try out Ludo on the drums. This seemed to work well. They played rocking sets at festivals in Kalimpong and Darjeeling on 09 and 11 November 2004. It turned out that though half of the band had gone through a radical transformation, this seemingly helped the two older members find the sound they were looking for.

[edit] 2003 - 2006

Widely known in the national circuit for its outspokenness, a strong common goal that the members of the band share is shattering preconceived notions of what rock music is and what it is not. They believe that rock is not a deep rooted music genre, but a way of living, a lifestyle and an attitude. It’s a state of mind that never declines. Either you have it, or you do not. The band has also gone on record as saying that 'genreic' labels are needed only to sell records, and have nothing to do with the music of any band. They also reiterate that there is too much intellectualisation regarding music, and labels are just another medium for trigger-happy critics.

Cassini's Division is one of the first of the modern rock bands in India. Its sound contains elements akin to bands like Foo Fighters, System of a Down, Sum 41, Blink 182, and Jimmy Eat World, but may be seen as working towards music that is melodic, attractive, lyrically beguiling, often witty, cynical yet hopeful, and yet with sections as heavy and dark as death by suffocation.

Overall, the band manages to survive as a unique act, and continues to entertain as a quartet of unconventional Bengalis with enough talent and creativity to follow up on their rude and often outright claims.

[edit] 2006 – 2008

This period was marked by a visible shift in direction, as the band embraced the beats of hip hop, featured much more rapping / r&b vocals with composition style moving much closer to mainstream music. The lyrics covered new subjects and the band aimed for a certain pop sophistication in its delivery. Songs like "Story of My Life", "Poppin’ It", "Cut To The Chase" and "Bangin’" grew in popularity, reflecting the band’s new aesthetic.

Only For A While was included in a compilation by major Indian label Sa Re Ga Ma that is scheduled for release end 2008 along with a video to be telecast on all major music channels in India. In December 2007, the band recorded four of its new songs with producer Simon Henderson, which have subsequently been made available online.

[edit] Discography

The band has self-produced four homegrown demos:

  • Animal Wisdom (2001): featured founder members Shamik Chatterjee (bass guitar) and Arka Das (drums).
  • Satyr9 (2002) (featuring Ritoban (Ludo) Das on percussion and Arka (Dodo) Das on drums
  • Living in the Loop (2004)
  • EP (2005)

The band is currently in the final stages of production of its first full-length album, The Ringside View and is looking at marketing and distribution avenues.

[edit] External links

[edit] General links

[edit] Broadsheet links