After a significant hiatus since their last album “Hyena Express” in 2020, the independent rock group Shonar Bangla Circus has made a comeback with a double studio album comprising 17 tracks in the previous month. Known as “Mohashoshan 1” and “Mohashoshan 2”, both records deliver melodious tunes while staying true to the band’s distinctive style of thought-provoking and compelling lyrics. During a visit to The Daily Star office, three out of the four band members, Probar Ripon, Shakil Haque, and Saad Chowdhury, engaged in a comprehensive discussion that transcended the album’s content to explore the band’s evolution, divergence from conventional Bangladeshi rock norms, and the essence of creating “Bangla funk” with a member delving deeper into the local musical culture.
The bandmate in question, electric guitarist Seth Panduranga Blumberg, affectionately known as Pandu, participated in the conversation remotely from his residence in California, enriching the dialogue with his unique perspective. Notwithstanding the physical separation, his insights added a distinctive layer to the discourse.
Probar Ripon initiated the discussion by elucidating the concept behind the new album and the extensive effort invested in its realization. “The album’s elaborate nature, encompassing 17 songs with intricate arrangements, accounts for the nearly three-year span it took to complete,” he remarked. Departing from the conventional rock instrumentation prevalent in “Hyena Express”, “Mohashoshan” incorporates a diverse range of musical instruments meticulously layered to create a rich sound experience. “This time, we incorporated a variety of instruments, including multiple layers of dhol, violin, and more,” Ripon elaborated.
Reflecting on the swiftness with which their prior album materialized, Ripon recalled, “We recorded ‘Hyena Express’ within a mere four days, with mixing and mastering completed in just two months.” In contrast, the latest endeavor, being a comprehensive double album, demanded a significantly longer timeframe due to its scale and complexity.
Guitarist Pandu assumed a pivotal role in orchestrating the musical arrangements for the recent albums, drawing inspiration from the profound and eclectic musical landscape of Bangladesh. He expressed, “The music scene in Bangladesh is as deep and vibrant as its rivers, encapsulating profound philosophies, performers, and practices which serve as invaluable human treasures. The soulful grooves, cosmic lyrical themes, and the inherent funk in the performances resonate deeply with me.”
Apart from the studio work, external factors such as frequent live performances, around 12 shows monthly, coupled with the country’s political climate, posed additional challenges, impeding the album’s progress. Despite these hurdles, the band persevered, allowing the project to evolve organically.
One distinguishing factor setting Shonar Bangla Circus apart from their peers is their deliberate departure from the established Bangladeshi rock lineage, embodying an effortlessly non-traditional ethos that defies conventional norms and expectations. When asked about this deviation, the band members expounded on their distinctive approach and shared their perspectives on musical innovation.
Describing their musical style as akin to lyrical music theatre or even opera, Ripon emphasized the band’s psychedelic inclination right from the outset. “Our psychedelic stance sets us apart, and our unity stems from shared ideologies,” he elucidated. Pandu delved into his connection with the band, articulating, “Music serves as our cosmic narrative, bridging the visible and unseen realms. Through collective harmony, we weave individual and collective stories, fostering a deeply collaborative sound where my guitar work complements my bandmates while honoring my instincts.”
Saad Chowdhury, the keyboardist with a non-Bangla background who joined the band post-formation, emphasized the unifying force of music within the group. “Music acts as the primary link between me and the team,” Saad reaffirmed, underscoring how he connects with the lyrical essence on a musical level even if the linguistic nuances evade him. The band’s open-mindedness and musical synergy, particularly with Pandu, who epitomizes uninhibited musical expression, resonated with Saad, highlighting the profound musical bond that transcends language barriers.
Bassist Shakil Haque shed light on the enduring camaraderie between Pandu, Ripon, and Saad, predating the band’s inception, which seamlessly translated into their musical chemistry. Reflecting on the thematic depth of “Mohashoshan”, Shakil expounded on the album’s philosophical underpinnings, drawing parallels between life’s inevitable cycles of birth and death and the universal experiences explored through the music.
The band’s creative process, according to Shakil, unfolds organically, akin to a blank canvas awaiting artistic expression. Ripon, known for his provocative lyrical content, emphasized the band’s commitment to presenting raw, unfiltered truths that challenge listeners to
