dabbles in theatre, film, dance and politics but is more widely acclaimed for his own musical releases, and with good reason. Philtre, his seventh studio album, is testament to his talent, spanning pretty much every genre imaginable.
If, somehow, you aren’t familiar with Sawhney’s work, then in buying this album, there is a reasonable chance you will like at least some of it. Such is the variety in terms of style that even the most genre-snobbified of music fans would be hard-pressed to find fault with Philtre. Flamenco, drum and bass, trip-hop, R&B, traditional Bengali… it’s all here in a giant melting pot of aural pleasure. In places the sounds are dark and intense whilst in others they are spiritual and uplifting but either way, they are well-produced and easy on the ear.
Those who have come across material from Sawhney in the past won’t be disappointed. Philtre is more of the same emotive stuff, but what I will add is that the overall flavour is more upbeat. This is almost certainly down to the fact that Sawhney has returned to the decks of late, both recording a compilation for London superclub Fabric’s series and playing a number of DJ sets. Indeed, many of the tracks blend into the next rather smoothly making the album a cinematic experience as well as a great CD to kick back and relax to in spite of its dancefloor sensibilities.
Rating: 4/5
Official Website: www.nitinsawhney.com
Record Label: V2 Records
Words by: Sarah Chapman
