Scotland-based collective Rootless brings together Romani and Indian musicians to honor a shared ancestry, weaving flamenco-inspired guitar and fervent saxophone with the rhythmic heartbeat of tabla and dhol. “This isn’t just fusion, it’s a reunion,” says Sodhi, a masterful tabla performer who is also the host of the Talking Tabla podcast. “The Roma and Indian people share history, and we wanted to make that history sing again from our home in Scotland to the world.”
Flamenco-inspired guitar, booming bass, and saxophone tones with gypsy jazz appeal come from the Romani side, guiding the track’s melodic drive, while Indian instrumentation play an enjoyably prominent role rhythmically. The use of dhol and tabla balance playful and hypnotic charm, pulsing throughout with amiable precision. The recording, primarily done in Scotland with additional sessions in India, reflects the symbolic vision of bridging continents and cultures, with the Scottish folk environment providing a unique backdrop for this vibrant collaboration.
The track’s production consumes right away in its vibrant, dynamic tonal range. Bursting saxophone and heavy rhythmic pulses exude a prancing sense of effervescence, building cohesively thereafter into a moodier vocal intrigue. The shifts between more rhythmically bustling excitement and exotic, spacious mystique makes for a consistently climactic allure. The careful balancing of Romani melodies and Indian rhythms—overseen by Pakistani-British producer Sarmad Ghafoor—ensures that neither tradition overpowers the other, creating a truly harmonious dialogue.
An especially memorable turn takes hold past the two-minute turn, where wordless crooning and frolicking instrumentation maneuver into the colorful saxophone work. Playful, punchy vocals then enamor across the final minute, concluding this fantastic track with charisma and enthusiasm. With live performances on the horizon—including a set at Aberdeen Mela in September 2025—Rootless is poised to translate this studio magic into a full-on celebration of shared heritage, rhythm, and movement.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
