Power To The People.
So my friends I’m heading in a more inwardly, thoughtful and reflective direction today, the new album from Ajay Srivastav has seen to that. The title ‘Powerless’ is exactly what the majority are feeling right now, with no jobs, break down of the very fabric of society, and facing a living nightmare with this virus that has torn through our lives.
Opening number ‘The Line’ sets the scene for a record that has the message ‘enough is enough’ running through its core.
The title track gives us hope that a new day will come, bringing real change and real progression. The lyric ‘the powerless will soon be strong’ and ‘the powerless one day will rise’ are the ideas we have to hold close in order to achieve this.
‘Break The Circle’ or ‘cycle’ if you will, is a desire and a pledge to be rid of the values and injustices that are prevalent today, but that have also shaped our society thus far. What I’m hearing is an intricate fusion of Blues/Country Rock peppered with exquisite tabla beats that accentuate the songs onto another level. Many artists have used this pandemic to voice their anger and Ajay uses religious and spiritual concepts to add an alternative feel and approach. We throw ourselves onto the mercy of ‘Holy Mother’ and beseech, we pray for equality and fairness, it is heartfelt and sorrowful.
The first single is ‘Shanti’ which means ‘peace’ I think we all crave that in our lives, but sadly the struggle continues and the harshness of a cruel world is relentless.
‘Golden’ is feel good, foot tapping number, easy to listen to and interpret, the clean and clear vocals allow for that. Overall there is something very Suzanne Vega and Natalie Merchant about this album, steeped in folk music empathy and awareness and executed with simplicity and kindness
This album contains songs for protest and change, yet they present a vehicle for meditation and supplication.
We may feel powerless, but at least here we can feed on the positive energy and vibes on offer and ultimately gain the power and strength that eludes us.
Azra Pathan
Ajay Srivastav – Powerless out now via Scion Records.