(This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025, wherein 10 posts are published in 15 days. This is the second one. Prompt: Your favourite musical band of the 90s)
When I think about the music of the 1990s, so many bands, singers, and songs come to my mind: both Indian and international. Among the international ones, I remember Backstreet Boys, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and U2. Closer to home, groups like Indian Ocean, Euphoria, and Parikrama.
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| Hariharan and Leslee |
But the band that truly captivated me was Colonial Cousins. I first heard about them from a friend who was always tuned into the latest trends. His enthusiasm was infectious, and before long, I found myself buying their audio cassette, eager to know what the excitement was all about.
REVOLUTIONARY FUSION
Their debut album, released in October 1996, became a sensation. What set Colonial Cousins apart was their bold fusion. They mixed multiple languages (English, Hindi, and even South Indian) with elements of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, all wrapped in Western pop, rock, and electronic styles.
With Hariharan’s soulful vocals and Leslee Lewis’s masterful genre-mixing, each track often began with traditional ragas and transitioned into pop choruses. Songs such as “Sa Ni Dha Pa” and “Krishna” come to mind.
While Bollywood did occasionally do something innovative, Colonial Cousins was among the first to explore the synergy outside the realm of Hindi cinema. Their songs also perfectly blended with the spirit of a newly liberalised India in the 1990s, when the country was opening up to foreign companies, goods, movies, music, and much more.
THEIR NAME AND ORIGINS
The story of their name is as unique as their music. Hariharan once recalled that during a visit to London, a friend remarked how Londoners and the Indians there could be called “Colonial Cousins,” a reference to the shared colonial history. Hariharan suggested the name to Leslee Lewis, who immediately agreed.
The two met while working on prime-time advertising jingles. Leslee composed the tunes, and Hariharan lent his vocals. During one of their sessions, as they waited for a script, they began an impromptu jam. The magic was good, as indicated by the applause of everyone there. At that moment, they realised they were destined to work together as a band.
Their international impact also became apparent. Hariharan remembers the time at Heathrow airport when a gentleman approached and praised their music.
After two more albums following their debut, the duo took a prolonged break, each pursuing solo careers. They later reunited as digital and TV shows took off giving ample time and space to independent and fusion music again.
TIMELESSNESS VS TODAY'S FUSION
Today's fusion tracks are often tech-heavy, and I feel it's a lot of noise. In contrast, Colonial Cousins has a lot of originality and authenticity. Their songs are truly timeless, not just because of their innovative approach, but also because they dared to tred a new path.
It's an eye-catching name.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :-)
DeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteThank you for this introduction. Am listening now and liking what I hear! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Glad you are liking the songs.:-)
DeleteI have heard only one song by Colonial Cousins. That is "It's Gonna Be Alright". And, I liked it.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :-)
DeleteInteresting band name. They definitely filled a niche.
ReplyDeleteYes, they did.
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