The Tapi Project

Tapi put their best feet forward on opener ‘Paigam’, with a surando (folk fiddle) sample introducing a reflective vocal refrain. Singer Swati Minaxi swoops Joni Mitchell-like over the restrained strumming of Yogi Saniyawala's guitar. The pair form the creative heart of Tapi, named after the Tapi River that flows through their native city of Surat.

The evocation of Blue-era Joni heralds an album that draws liberal inspiration from the golden era of 70s rock and pop. The folk-infused storytelling of Led Zeppelin's lighter numbers often comes to mind, with ‘Suburban Zindagi’ even opting for full-on rock riffin'. The retro recipe is lent a fresh flavour by the Indian influence on tracks like ‘Tapi’, which features an arresting sitar solo amid Minaxi's lullaby-like vocal.

Eccentric production choices, such as the reed organ that bookends ‘Dariya’, contribute to an uneven offering, but there is plenty of promise on this debut. The album's attempt to express ‘the challenges faced by the common man in a modern world’ ultimately comes across as heartfelt.