You are not going to get an amalgam of psychedelic prog rock like Space Remedy creates through their music. This band from Bangalore, India, really explores the depths of three dimensions and how it can manipulate the fourth. Though they never lose sight of the script on capturing the theme, they make sure there is relentless experimentation in their pursuit of sound. Fans of Opeth, Porcupine Tree, and The Pineapple Thief have flocked to Space Remedy’s sound and the indelible impact they’re having on the Indian metal music scene. This is their latest album called Delirious Days.
The lineup features Shivam Khandelwal (Vocals/Guitar), Abhilash Fulkar (Guitar), Yuvraj Metrani (Bass), Mukesh Muralidharan (Keyboard), and Varun Dhir (Drums). As a five-piece, the project ensures there is sufficient melodic input coming from all of them, contributing to incredible ripples in their sound which you can truly appreciate on headphones. Opening with the expansive epic title track, you are spoilt with over 10 minutes of prog nirvana. Even on hearing them live, it is evident that the band is trying to synthesise an atmosphere around you that becomes your portal to escapism. A deftly crafted narrative revolves around each song, and the melodies ensnare you for a thrilling journey.
Intertwined in song and story
The opening sound of As I’m Drowning is something fans now instantly respond to. It is a muted series of notes with reverb that has all the playful character you’d want to hear the rhythm section interact with. Space Remedy isn’t just surgical when it needs to be. Certain parts of the song treat you to sensory overload through many different directions. In the over-9-minute performance of Deformity (Reprise), they also show how versatile they can be with their compositions and stellar imprint. Khandewal and Fulkar trade lead parts that are beautiful, melancholic and carry the wave of the emotion they lead with.
The sounds of Ineffable Dimensions will show you the depth and detail to which this band can compose. Space Remedy are seasoned veterans of melodic and spatial play. They might have formed in 2017 but each member brings inspirations and ideas to the table that are far beyond the years. It is in tracks like “Endless Grief” that Khandelwal and co. are able to harness, even in spirit, the genius of Stephen Wilson. Not only are their inspirations apparent, but they have a firm direction in how they want their specific fingerprint to look.
Painting their own compass
Digital Ghost has melodic structures that I have heard Bruce Soord from The Pineapple Thief capture in his tracks as well. The chemistry between the entire band is commendable, for no instrument compromises the feel and story of the track for its own voyeuristic display of skill. There is no doubt that every member of this band puts great effort into these compositions. Delirious Days continues to prove that the Indian metal scene has strong spearheads that are leading the prog prong. Listen to it here:
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Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
