FLASH: DIVINITY – KULFIGIRLS

12 months ago

Probably one of my biggest favourites of the year, Divinity by KulfiGirls is sure to strike a chord with many rock fans looking to broaden their horizons! Review.

DIVINITY – KULFIGIRLS

The quartet KulfiGirls unveiled their album Divinity in February, bringing with it a form of rock music that’s not heard enough. Leading the band is Abi Natesh, whose desire to connect Philadelphia, where the band is based, and her Western rock influences with her South Indian roots is forming the project’s basis. Naturally, the band embraces a Carnatic edge, notably through Natesh’s use of the saraswati veena, while remaining rooted in rock, sometimes even veering into punk territory. The album opens with Araro. The tone is set. What we hear is transcendent, powerful, cathartic rock that feels worldly and expansive.

Yet the group also knows how to shift into softer, dreamier rhythms, as in FoF, where they invite Roshni Samlal on tablas, her instrument of choice. The tempo picks up, and you can feel the passion creeping into every instrument. Itch follows with a more melancholic mood, heavily marked by 90s grunge. The riffs are bold, the vocals gripping, the overall vibe, darker. On Red Light, KulfiGirls rediscover a joyfulness that matches their ferocity.

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Ugly takes yet another stylistic turn, incorporating jazz into the mix. With Ryan Barry on saxophone, the atmosphere becomes mysterious, sensual, and intriguing. Then again, it shows that it’s through all their instruments that their passion flows. The bass and guitars of Joan Natesh, or those of Steph Bruning (also on mandolin and keyboard) and Ade Ogunleye’s drums and tambourine, are all incredibly effective in highlighting Abi Natesh’s captivating voice. Even punkier, the quartet bares its teeth on the superb Bite, a modern rock track made for the stage and my personal favourite! Its solo, straddling metal and traditional sounds, is phenomenal! KulfiGirls close the album with Divinity, blending spiritual softness with indie rock surges. An impressively well-balanced fusion, don’t miss it!