Satya Graha means 'Soul force', a Gandhi belief that Satya Graha would grow and become more courageous the more a person is crushed.
Satya Graha, the band, belie thier name, rock with country tinges plus enticing touches of soul and blues. This 5 piece band from Chicago feature vocalist David Vella, with co-songwriting duties controlled by B.B Mayes, and Anna Bensch adding additional vocals.
Consequently, the male/female vocal blend achieves new dimensions which are refreshing and the strong harmonies are tight throughout, with David confessing: "I am concerned with whether or not I have written a song that challenges the listener and stands the test of time."
Well, he achieves these objectives with opening track "Birds." It's slow, delightful and tuneful and when Dave reaches the lines "under the skin is where it begins", the hooks are starting to grip. In commercial alt-country terms, it's by far the best song on the album.
Satya Graha are similar to the rockier elements of the Counting Crows. "Peel" is a less convincing, breezier sing along, and while it qualifies as both basic feel good pop and tailor-made adult rock, neither make for transcendency. "Pony up" and second
single "Lunar Dreams" are currently getting mucho airplay
and it's easy to see why, the latter being slow piano- driven fare and a slice of intriguing melodic Americana.
The underground have highlighted the band by word of mouth alone, news has reached these shores and radio stations such as Radio Caroline and Radio 2 are championing their cause already, climaxing in their September/November UK tour.
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"Kali Tongue" and "Torch Bearer's Salute"again suggest why SG'S profile could rise quickly. Both of these are enjoyable Americana specimens until guitar solos drag the songs kicking and screaming away to a bluesy middle ground. "Roanoke", meanwhile, is a quiet, intricate and sweet guitar track, concerning the death of a relationship. "Brothers Under The Sun", hints at the future sound of Satya Graha, followed by the infectious "Tell Them To Look Closer".
Defining the band overall is a little more difficult. 'Easy listening soul-country fusion' is the best attempt I could come up with, which in itself shows Satya Graha have at least succeeded in defeating the pigeonholers.
Whatever, if you enjoy finding yourself off the beaten track and down the road a bit, you could well find Satya Graha are just what you're looking for. Take a big breath and enjoy the (un)familiar surroundings with them.
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