Raghu Dixit has been performing for around a decade, first with Antaragini, which reached cult status for its eclectic folksy stage presence and groove-laden acoustic fusion music. The breakup of Antaragini led
Dixit to create
Raghu Dixit Project with a fluid lineup where various musicians pour their creativity into
Dixit's compositions. The songs on this debut are a filtered synthesis of the best compositions that
Dixit performed over the years; with special mention of the interest of film composer's Vishal-Shekhar on this album. Firstly, akin to any other effort that blends Indian traditional art with modern aesthetics,
Raghu Dixit has a poignant, foot tapping, full-of-life stance. Secondly, using diverse languages as a medium, he broadens the audience reach that this album achieves, without compromising the poetic content of its lyrics. Thirdly,
Dixit possesses a strong gruff voice that diverges from perfection to raw, and thus complements his songs quite well. This album also gives an insight to the directions that Indian underground urban folk-rock in particular is bound to take, though comparisons with contemporaries in the wake of this movement opens a whole new dimension of fruitful insight. For the album highlights it's easy to pick "Hey Bhagwan," "Gudugudiya Sedi Nodo," and "No Man Will Ever Love You, Like I Do" for expressive, soulful renditions, and "Mysore Se Ayi" and "I'm in Mumbai Waiting for a Miracle" for spirited and blissful sounds. Yet it's difficult to attach a particular attitude that a much-awaited debut should possess, sans which mediocrity takes control of a product. There is much more to
Raghupathi Dixit than is visible on this album. ~ Bhasker Gupta