Plan B

Plan B is the third offering from Bangalore based indie band Thermal and a Quarter. Jupiter Café was still getting rave reviews and another album (available for free download on their website) in such a short amount of time would have led to comparisons and a casual disregard. It turned out to be just perfect, probably much better than the earlier compilations in terms of getting away from their cacophonous rock-laden sound to a more beautifully sullen, rounded up/mellowed down tone. It's got a catchier sound and one just needs to listen a couple of times to get hooked. On the first few listens, the whole package seems to have a unique underlying sound, common throughout. But repeated listening leads one to pick a few high points in the album and they are just captivating enough for one to replay the whole thing. The opening track "Bend the World" showcases the distinct sound of Thermal and a Quarter at its best; a prominent vocal melody layered by ambient jazz guitar riffs and a fast-paced outstanding instrumentation. "The Steal" is undoubtedly the best track on the album, light years ahead of any other track on this offering or for that matter any other TAAQ song. "Dead Inside" is another high point, a subtly soul-stirring song with incorporation of Hindustani vocals by Prakash Sontakke. TAAQ's lyrics have understated political/social undertones and for a keen listener their music may sound odd at times when it's baffling to observe the perfect synchronization.