Sudha Chandran

Hidden beneath a hat of anonymity is the captain of this great five that play in Sudha Chandran. An electro reggae group that i was introduced to while adventuring in the Spanish capital, Madrid. It seems this city holds a good many talents, from its performers to its designers. However those whose names have not been spoken off, those undiscovered is where we will find the sound of Sudha Chandran.

The voice referred to as Johnny man is concealed under his notorious green hat, while the mic takes care of the rest. There is an air of mystery that surrounds him as his body bounces to the rhythm. One would not think that such a voice would belong to such a face; but there he stood that night at la buena dicha, enchanting the crowds who with any luck might catch a glimpse of man behind the voice.

What i didn't expect from this all Spanish cast was to hear a cocktail mix of English and Spanish, well written and delivered to express their message. "Teach! Don't Preach" (from their most popular track "Todo esta perdido - All is Lost") is echoed by the true followers of Sudha. I can see why this band has grown in popularity, touring around Madrid. For me it's not just reggae i hear but also that blend of jazz and funk that is intertwined between the chorus and the verse. It's the dash of the trombone like chocolate syrup on your sundae ice cream. They do not abuse the blues when they blend it into their reggae tempo but show tribute that would earn them a chuckle from the legends themselves.

In a time when the Spanish music scene has created a homogeneity and not much variety. This electro reggae funk band stands out and gets noticed; well once you know they are there. They have clearly experimented with blues riffs, grunge recordings and synthesizers to get them where they are now. They don't just imitate, they create. This eclectic sound has clearly gripped their audiences and got them "jumping to the rhythm".