Dhärä Unveil ‘Elemental Four’
Instrumental progressive and post-rock band Dhärä present ‘Elemental Four’, an album developed over several years.
The band consists of Chris Rodriguez on drums, Kay Tyagi on guitar, Austin Sandick on guitar, and Ryan DiPietrantonio on bass. Each member brings a distinct musical background. The album features detailed instrumental work, with compositions that include extended passages, dynamic shifts, and quieter sections.
The material for ‘Elemental Four’ spans nearly seven years. Some compositions originated before the band was fully formed and were developed through demos, rehearsals, and recording sessions on Long Island before reaching their final versions. Rather than using a traditional studio approach, Dhärä recorded ‘Elemental Four’ live in front of an audience at West Industry Studios, Viola Media, in Deer Park, New York. Recording was handled by Rob Pietrzak and Kai Bergsohn, with mixing and mastering by Frank Mitaritonna. The project also includes a visual component. Claire Cuny choreographed a ballet associated with the album, performed by dancers Annalee Harlow, Vera Paganin, Sarah Tracy, and Anna Zekan. Joe Rubino designed the lighting, and Rodriguez directed the accompanying concert film.
Austin Sandick and the band state:
“‘Elemental Four’ for us was both a personally transformative and emotional experience. While challenging to record live, this gave us the organic platform to document the thing this band has always stood for and that is the power of unity. We hope that listeners connect to our origin story as a reflection to unity in their lives.”
The album’s concept references themes of persistence and repetition, drawing on the myth of Sisyphus and imagery of a conduit returning a meteor to orbit. These ideas are reflected in the structure and progression of the compositions.
Dhärä have maintained an active role in the production and presentation of their work, including recording, visual elements, and live performance. ‘Elemental Four’ presents a cohesive integration of these aspects.
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