‘Mahal’: Glass Beams' Latest Single Takes Listeners On A Psychedelic Funk Journey

Coming from Melbourne, Australia, an enigmatic band has taken the attention of listeners with their lush soundscapes and mysterious allure. Glass Beams is a band that forsakes conventional boundaries, drawing inspiration from their Indian heritage to create a sonic evolution that defies categorisation.

Glass Beams' music is a melting pot of influences, blending the serpentine psychedelia of their Indian roots with cosmic instrumentation and worldly polyrhythms. Their debut album, 'Mirage', a product of self-recording in a home studio, stands as a testament to this eclectic fusion.

The album transports listeners on a journey through time and space, channeling the spirit of 70s-era Indian classical music while infusing it with the infectious energy of disco, all filtered through the lens of DIY electronica. The result is a captivating sonic experience that defies easy categorization, drawing listeners into a hypnotic realm of sound.

With their forthcoming album, Glass Beams continues to push the boundaries of their sonic exploration. Their latest single, 'Mahal', offers a glimpse into this evolution, presenting a psychedelic funk odyssey with Middle Eastern undertones. It's a genre-defying masterpiece that weaves together elements of neo-psychedelia, indie-jazz, instrumental funk, Australian reggae fusion, and alternative rock; creating a sound that is both hypnotic and majestic in its scope.

Drawing inspiration from the richness of their Indian heritage, Glass Beams imbues 'Mahal' with layers of meaning and symbolism. The word itself, derived from Arabic and adopted into various languages across Southeast Asia, evokes notions of love, preciousness, and honorifics for royalty. It's a fitting title for a song that feels both precious and expansive, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its lush sonic landscape.

In a rare interview with Rolling Stone, founder and producer/musician Rajan Silva offered insights into the origins and influences of Glass Beams. Drawing from his father's Indian roots, particularly classical music, disco, and pop, Silva explained the genesis of the band's sound and the significance of their masks.

Glass Beams' mystique lies in their choice to conceal their identities behind dazzling masks, made by a Russian jeweller. These masks serve a purpose beyond mere anonymity; they symbolise a deliberate separation between the musicians and their music, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the auditory experience they offer.

The debut EP 'Mirage', released in 2021, served as Glass Beams' introduction to the world, garnering acclaim for its galactic and cinematic soundscapes. Tracks like 'Mirage', 'Taurus', and 'Kong showcase the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly, drawing comparisons to established bands like Khruangbin.

From their enigmatic personas to their intricate compositions, Glass Beams invites listeners on a journey of discovery, where the unknown becomes familiar and the familiar transforms into something entirely new.

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