Arguably the strongest band to come out of the south since Motherjane, the trio known as Null Friction has taken a gigantic leap in focus and consistency since their EP .World Wide Quiet. Even though their sophomore album doesn’t include songs as emotionally involving and popular as ‘Somehow’ or ‘Reason to Rise’ featured on the 4 song EP, their new album Madras still has all the makings of a classic. It is the sound of a confident modern rock band drawing from a plethora of influences while at the same time coming into their own. This album is a slow grower with repeated listens revealing a set of guitar driven hard rock with enough experimentation to keep the listener on his toes.
Throughout the album the band clearly wears its influences on their sleeves be it the charging opening track ‘Mud’ with its tactful RATM scratching or Silverchair post grunge structure in ‘Sailor’. The band knowingly delves into more darker territory with the almost metallic ‘The Pind’ while calmer songs like ‘Inside Jokes’ and the title track itself provide the album with a much needed slow down. ‘Bahrain’ is a mid tempo track that despite a dynamic riff that draws out, never really delivers on its promise. Albeit a mixed bag, the weaker tracks on the album are easily compensated for by passion, drive and involvement of melody on the standout songs.
A tight rhythm section with bassist Abhishek and Ansh on drums provides guitarist and vocalist Shreyans enough leverage to meander onto untested pastures. The most experimental track on the record comes in the form of ‘Discreet’, an atmospheric instrumental number where guitar and bass float over a distorted sampling of Al Pacino from the Devils Advocate bringing forth an unnerving yet dreamlike state.
Overall the album ultimately succeeds in its purpose and for all of the elements it gathers from, appears as solid and cohesive as the band itself yielding a life of its own. The band has proven themselves to be wise beyond their years, crafting an arresting album that transcends the local scene and positions them to be heard in the near future by a much bigger audience.
