Raashi Malik
EP
Independent

I will admit right here that it was the cover art which initially persuaded me to listen to Raashi Malik’s debut EP released this March. It has already left a very good impression on me and it seems appropriate to have picked it up at the beginning of New Zealand music month. Raashi is a Wellington based composer of Indian descent who made this album with the help of her husband, the composer and music producer Rhian Sheehan. They undoubtedly make a great team and it shows greatly in the final product.

This EP achieves a successful fusion of Indian and world beats, mixed with some slow jazz and folk elements. It’s an interesting mix, and it’s not a bad one. It’s also fairly lengthy for an EP, but this allows them to stretch out and inject a great deal of soul into songs like “Alibag” and “Fascination.” A slight urban influence can be heard in “Clouds” which combines subtle Indian beats with modern production. In fact, the diverse nature of the album required three months in India to record with many well known Indian musicians, including Murad Ali – a sarangi player who has also provided excellent input into songs for Anoushka Shankar and Sting. This EP really does cement Malik as a talented artist who we will be hopefully hearing more from in the future.

4 stars

A diverse and thoroughly enjoyable debut.

- Asad Naseem