MusicBox -Kula Shaker - A Celebration of Indian Mysticism Music

MusicBox -Kula Shaker - A Celebration of Indian Mysticism Music

Aug, 7 2025


Amongst the heavy blend of Britpop mania of the 1990’s was a band that had their own style and sound as an alternative from the mainstream indie channel.

But the band then known as Kula Shaker dates back further to 1988 when frontman Crispian Mills met Alonza Bevan at Richmond upon Thames College in South West London. The duo from a band called Objects of Desire and picked up Paul Winterhart on percussion in 1991.

Objects of Desire disbanded in 1993. In response to the break up Mills went on a spiritual pilgrimage backpacking around India. When he returned he formed a new band The Kays. This venture recruited organist Jay Darlington and after a couple of years touring and a complete band line up the group’s decision to change the name and sound was a defining mark in their legacy.

By May 1995 Crispian suggested calling themselves Kula Shaker in honour of one of the twelve Alvars (saints of south India) the ninth century Indian emperor and holy man – King Kulashekhara. As frontman he decided the band should follow a more spiritual and mystical genre of music. This, as well as a Beatlesque 1960’s beat composed the sound of Kula Shaker and kept them separate from the copy- cat bands of the mid 90’s.

 Their debut single ‘Tattva’ was released 24th June 1996 and reached number four on the UK singles chart. The chorus of the song is: Tattva, acintya bheda abheda Tattva. In Hindu philosophy tattva is a Sanskrit word meaning 'thatness', 'principle', 'essence', 'reality' or 'truth'. Likewise, acintya can mean 'the inconceivable', 'the unthinkable', or 'he who cannot be imagined',bheda translates as 'difference', and abheda translates as 'non-difference'.

The song was the first of four singles to be released prior to their debut album ‘K’ in September 1996 which became the fastest selling debut album in Britain since Elastica’s debut the previous year.

Let’s remind ourselves what an absolute classic Tattva was –

The next 20 plus years saw the following events take place –

  • Second album
  • Political controversy
  • Initial split
  • Best of collection
  • Complete reformed band.

Kula Shaker's seventh studio album, Natural Magick, was released on 2 February 2024 on all formats and major streaming services. The album contains 13 tracks and is the first since Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts to feature original keyboardist, Jay Darlington.

For the latest information on the band check out the following website link – https://news.kulashaker.co.uk/

When the vast percentage of bands were caught up in the lad culture championed by groups such as Oasis, Blur and Supergrass, Kula Shaker were often criticised in the music press for their fascination with Indian references in their music.

Mills commented in 2016, "The musical styles on K are mainstream now. [In 1996] people didn't know how to understand it or where to place it, so all that was left to do was deride it."

But since their return in the modern era critics are reversing their ridicule as they have realised the excellent musicianship that make Kula Shaker so compelling. Their live shows are extraordinary and their brief hiatus gave them time to rejuvenate and reconnect with their fans to deliver music that is no longer mocked but instead – celebrated.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger