Zokova

Musically,“Zokova” is a tightly connected concept album that effortlessly and seamlesslyflows throughout by using both contrasting movements and repeating themes.

What holds the entire project together (including the arguably filler tracks toround out the main musical pieces) is the expertise level of musicianship thatRitwik De possesses. The result of these kinds of abilities not only transformsmere sounds into impressive music, but evokes  a wide range of emotionalreactions that adds to the listening experience as well - from uneasy and moodyto trippy, eerie, spacey, and other-worldly. The first track- a perfectillustration of that with its peaceful lull led by a synthesized guitar line.

What saves ‘Zokova’ from flying too far out of reach is thenumber of songs of simple construction that succeeds in hooking the listenerwith main choruses that resonates in the ear afterwards, including possiblebest track “Who am I” with its finale type feel - possibly the most engagingsong with its Satriani-style solo, muffled bass line in the intro, and spaceydrum segments. Even “track 7”, with it’s obvious and possibly intentionalechoing of Coldplay’s “Fix you” proves it’s strength with it’s reverberatingbass line, powerful execution, and ‘love-on-my-sleeve’ acoustic strumming ofwhich the main theme is delivered by.

The only legitimate criticism that can be made of “Zokova” can someday be it’sgreatest aspect - that its an album of considerable genius by default due tothe complex nature of the overall concept. However, if one were to just sitback and let the music of “Zokova” be the guide, Ritwik De willdeliver in providing a most wonderful journey. Nonetheless, it is one of the mostcreative and amazing post rock albums to have come out in 2010- only an ounceshort of being Epic.