‘Janakita Kirakita’, from Jangus Kangus opens with a Bollywood style chant, causing uncertainty as to what we’re in for – soon enough it’s replaced with dreamy vocals accompanied by a jangly electric guitar and the smoothest surf rock you’ll ever have encountered.
The Bollywood chant is no accident, nor is it a quirky afterthought. Jasmine Sankaran, who performs as Jangus Kangus, was raised in Ventura County in a multiracial Indian-Vietnamese household. That sound is very much a part of her. She started writing music as a teenager, and is now making waves for her eclectic blend of indie, punk, and synth-pop.
The chant returns from time to time in the track, but never at any time does it feel out of place. It’s perfectly juxtaposed against Sankaran’s voice, who at times sounds as if she’s singing into a landline telephone, or else an old time mic; there’s a certain echo, reverb, that’s attached to it. Quite charming, elusive, and – I know I’m guilty of using this word too often – ethereal.
Listen beyond the guitars and pounding drums, and focus on the cowbell that comes with the chanting, and the scratchy, swirly synths (at about 14 seconds), and you get some idea of the complexity of this track. It’s simply divine. (Watch Jangus Kangus perform the song live here to appreciate the musicianship in all its glory).
Lose yourself in ‘Janakita Kirakita’ below, and find out more about Jangus Kangus and their music online on Instagram and Facebook.
