Rootless stayed loyal to their identify with their debut single, Rakitaki Tanana, the place Indian rhythms and Romani motifs collide with out battle. What sparks from the collision is greater than fusion; it’s the beginning of a brand new language, folklore reimagined for a contemporary period the place shared heritage paints the current with richer colors. The monitor isn’t any ear-candy novelty both; it strikes immediately on the soul and syncs with the physique’s personal rhythmic impulses, which explains how the official video has already surged near 100k streams on YouTube.
The interaction of tabla and dhol supplies the heartbeat, whereas flamenco-style guitar, saxophone, and bass pull the sound into a recent carnival, leaving the hovering vocals to string storytelling via the instrumentation. It’s music as cultural archaeology and invention in equal measure, a reminder that custom doesn’t fossilise however evolves when positioned in new contexts.
Rootless are a collective drawing on the historic connection between Romani and Indian lineages. With members from Romani outfit ZOR alongside Indian musicians akin to Sodhi, host of the Speaking Tabla podcast, the group represents cultural reclamation and a name to rejoice the bonds that also tie individuals throughout continents. Their music is as a lot a dwelling celebration as it’s a efficiency, a road pageant performed out in sound and motion.
Rakitaki Tanana is now obtainable on all main streaming platforms – together with YouTube and Spotify.
Assessment by Amelia Vandergast
