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LP
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DSTN 003LP
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Discostan presents the first vinyl release by young legends Sireesha and Sreeusha -- better known to both classical Indian fans and to musical fans of improvisation around the world as the Mandolin Sisters. On their first album released to a global audience, the Sisters showcase an upstart energy, revitalizing centuries-old songs with a fast and furious playing on electrified mandolin. Mandolin Sisters: Odysseys in Electric Carnatic is a deep immersion into the Sisters' virtuosic playing style, weaving intricate lines and sophisticated harmonies that will appeal to fans of genre-expanding experimental guitar sounds and improvised music. But the pair is also deeply steeped in historical tradition and spent years dedicated to study and practice of these sonorities. Even before the two sisters could read, the duo were singularly devoted to the expression of Carnatic music through an instrument that is still relatively new to South Indian classical music. Over their career, they have played more than 3,500 shows. The mandolin is only a recent addition to the world of Carnatic music. However, there is no disputing the role that Uppalapu Srinivas (more widely known as simply U. Srinivas) played in bringing the instrument to wider acclaim and as a respected part of South Indian classical music. Today, the Mandolin Sisters are carrying on the legacy of Srinivas. Across the seven songs in this album, the Mandolin Sisters imbue their signature sound onto raga compositions drawn from the deep well of the Carnatic tradition. Because of the amount of improvisation in Carnatic music, no song is ever played the same twice. Each person adjusts the song every time to create an all-new version, even playing them for years. While they are inspired by deep tradition and the mastery of Srinivas and others, their search for new paths is unrelenting. In the words of Sireesha: "In Carnatic music there's no end to learning, it keeps going. It's like a sea. No matter how deep you go, there is always more depth." Discostan is a relatively young record label dedicated to documenting innovative sounds from South and West Asia and North Africa from the past, present and future. The long-running party, radio show and label has previously released reissues of Urdu-language synth pop and Palestine's first English-language folk songs. This album is a unique entry point into contemporary Carnatic music as well as a gift (or revelation) for fans of adventurous music from new voices.
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