The new album by Aradhna, Namaste Sate, is a work of beauty. Everything from the photography to the videos to the music comes together in one awe-inspiring package. How appropriate, since Aradhna means “worship.” For those unfamiliar with Aradhna, they are an original mix of Hindi language, English language, rock music, Indian music, guitar, sitar, and many other English and Indian influences. They successfully remove Jesus from the white churchianity-dominated mindset of so many Americans and skillfully introduce him into an Indian mindset. But don’t worry if you aren’t fluent in Hindi – lyrical translations are always a part of the liner notes for every Aradhna release. Even if you take away the translations, it would be hard to not get caught up in the mood of each song. Early Aradhna albums seemed to have more distinct lines between the rock parts and the mellow parts. On Namasate Sate, these lines are nearly gone – songs seamlessly transform from floating and acoustic to intense and electric and back again. This lends a more mature edge to the overall project. The swelling and subsiding of the music reminds me of walking along the streets of India in many ways – one moment you are in a quiet neighborhood where it seem like time is standing still, then you hear the loud street growing closer, then you are in the midst of a sea of people – caught up in the rush but not feeling any pressure to get anywhere. You just enjoy the ride. Which is exactly what I do with every listen of Aradhna.
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