A HIDDEN GEM OF THE INDIE SCENE!
If there is one band that never gets anywhere near the recognition it deserves is New Delhi based Post/Progressive Rock trio of Zokova! The brainchild of Multi-instrumentalist/engineer extraordinaire Ritwik De, Zokova is a band that has through the years cemented themselves in the underground independent scene with their unique look into the Progressive Rock genre, with incredibly interesting Post Rock influences. Whilst Suyash Gabriel and Amar Pandey make sure that the backbone of each song sounds like an earthquake hit you, Ritwik De's delicate yet eccentric playing filled with immense amount of reverb and delay takes you back to the legendary Shoe-Gaze sound championed by early era Porcupine Tree and Smashing Pumpkins.
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Photo by Subadhra Kamath[/caption]
Although Zokova has only released live performances of a few tracks from their repertoire, they have been working on their debut full length album for quite a while now. You know you've got something going on if the majority of questions at every gig you play are directed towards when your album is going to come out. It's live where the band really shines. They are definitely one of the tightest and strongest bands live in India, if not even internationally, matching the levels of bands such as Steven Wilson, Karnivool, Toska or even Meshuggah. Every single note and drum hit is where it's supposed to be. A big credit to their sound live is also just the amount of production knowledge all the members of the band possess (Ritwik De is the main man behind 'Ghar Ka Studios' and 'Ghar Ka Records') and the sheer live mixing abilities of their FOH Engineer Krishna Rao.
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Picture by Dhruv Kalra[/caption]
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!
Zokova played a stint of absolutely wonderful gigs last year, playing under Post Rock Sweethearts Aswekeepsearching, the mighty Skyharbor, along with playing various festivals including the Bacardi NH7 Weekender. What makes them stand out above all else? THE SONGWRITING! Although they are only a three piece band, the way they compose and write their songs make them sound like a mammoth coming from outer space. If you've never seen them live, make sure you go and see them the next time the play and even if you've seen them, go again! They are THAT good. Until then, keep sending them direct messages on their Facebook page to release their new album as quickly as possible!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emungVpJp2Q&frags=pl%2Cwn
Follow Zokova on their social media platforms here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zokovanaice/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_AMQozj50p4mdi9EpvrsA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zokovaofficial/