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May 31, 2018 Web Exclusive By Haydon Spenceley

Some songwriters inspire because they make it seem like what they do is possible for anyone. Of course later, when trying to emulate our heroes, we find out all too often that the supposed simplicity of their work is in fact complex and almost beyond imitation. And then there are the other kind of musicians. These are the kind who push the boundaries of composition and execution of performance to such an extent as to rend the listener speechless. Rafiq Bhatia is one such composer and producer. His debut for ANTI- exists as a gorgeous companion piece to his work in Son Lux. It reaches everywhere for its inspiration. “Hoods Up” is an unstable sounding groove driven by snarling synths and a gorgeous solo. It could have fitted on Son Lux’s Brighter Wounds.

“Before Our Eyes” is a brighter number which unfolds into a combination of Radiohead-aping guitar arpeggios, bass and drums, and the stringed music of Bhatia’s heritage as the first generation son of American parents who can trace their heritage to India by way of East Africa. Of course, it matters not a jot where people come from, except to say that Bhatia’s amalgamation of the constituent parts of his musical inheritance is a delight and one which other composers would do well to be inspired by. The title track builds from a guitar figure into a fuller-bodied beast of beauty, as does the closing “A Love That’s True,” although the latter subsides to a wistful climax.

This is a wonderfully versatile record, showcasing Rafiq Bhatia as an ever more important compositional voice. (www.rafiqbhatia.com)

Author rating: 7/10