The modern audience dwells in a dynamic state of the music industry. As the chokehold of commercial projects, boosted by cash-rich contracts, sugar-coated with professional marketing and under the table deals continue to clog the perception of modern music, the unseen and unheard are left to fend for themselves, striving harder for recognition. Indie rock and blues artist Gautam Ecka aka “EscapeGoat” emerges from this shadow, aiming to leave his stamp with his soulful EP ‘Moving On’.
In Gautam’s words, the four-track compilation “showcases songs about intoxication and the inexplicable, songs about the past and future, songs about rain and thunder, songs without lyrics, songs with lyrics – songs which embody and manifest a phase in his life where he grew and matured both as an artist and a human being.”
We start off with ‘Windows’, an ode to the constant inner turmoil and tussle between advancing in life and clinging to the past. The intro is characterized by tasteful acoustic guitar licks which continue through the entire song. Written during his move to Delhi, the lyrics embody a person in a process of self-exploration. New acquaintances, experiences and thrills are equaled by the memories of the past and old faces. The dilemma of choosing what attributes to select from his old life, and what to leave behind persists, as the individual introspects themself for a realistic solution.
“Up in the smoke” draws inspiration from the poem “Kubla Khan ” by S.T. Coleridge’s. Describing an opium-induced vision experienced by a poet, the rawness of the artist’s work is full-fledged in this track. Spectral chords and percussion is introduced. The effects of a ‘high’- randomness of thoughts, thrill within monotony, and the numbing of pain is mindfully highlighted in the song. The song crescendos into a complex yet beautiful acoustic guitar solo, indicating the peak of the high.
An ingredient about EscapeGoat’s production is the ability to convey profound themes with minimal words. The next two instrumentals take this a step further. “Laid back” is an ironic title given its energetic delivery. The song consists of a guitar solo following a blues-rock approach, resting heavily on melodic-pentatonic phrasing in the scale of E minor. The guitar frets and wails as to signify the feelings of a lost yet content individual, while the perfectly executed pinch harmonics intensify these emotions. Inspired by Eric Johnson’s “Manhattan“, this track stands out as personal favorite due to its execution and sheer musical prowess.
The culmination of the EP is a seven-minute electric guitar piece titled “When Heavens Cried”. A tribute to monsoons in his hometown of Ranchi, EscapeGoat segments the song depicting the different moods of the rain evoking contrasting emotional responses. The final half of the song is an exhilarating experience for the listener, depicting both the thunderous nature of rain along with the end of a long chapter in Gautam’s journey as a guitarist, songwriter, composer, and a bedroom producer. As the rain fades, so does the song, leaving listeners to ponder on their ruminations.
There’s little Gautam can do to better his position in the industry. Maybe better management, maybe more live gigs, maybe even rebranding? But that’s the business side of things. As for the art of music, he has got plenty of it. A flawless track list penned with poignant lyrics, complimented with amazing compositions and killer instrumentals? The listener doesn’t get a chance to complain.
