The merging of East and West. Unity. Taking two cultures, bringing their rich musical histories together, and creating a work of art from it. That’s what Jake Blanchard does on Fermentation, a collection of ragas radiating with a psychedelic tension that boils over into wild, ecstatic joy.
Fermentation is due on November 1st via Cardinal Fuzz and Eiderdown Records. Jake’s artwork will be on the Reverse Board Outer Sleeve in a vinyl edition of 300. A modern blend of Eastern and Western sounds is a concept that has been introduced previously. Raga rock has been around for a while, and The Man From Atlantis’s new record is also a masterclass on how this can be done.
But while the concept is not new, I will never tire of records that pull it off so well. On Fermentation, Jake Blanchard brilliantly melds these influences.
Jake is renowned for his distinctive art and print designs, notably crafting album covers for artists like Pelt, Mike Gangloff, and Richard Dawson. His artwork for Dawson’s The Ruby Cord earned third place in the 2022 Art Vinyl Album Cover of the Year award.
As one-half of ‘TOR’ alongside Sophie Cooper, Jake’s creative endeavors have made their hometown of Todmorden a hub for experimental music in North England. TOR is a multifaceted project encompassing Tor Bookings, Tor Festival, Tor Press, Tor Beers, and Tor FM, celebrating diverse and cutting-edge music.
Jake also channels his creativity into sound, playing the electric shahi baaja, a zither-like instrument central to his latest work, Fermentation. The album features Jake’s wild and ecstatic improvisations. The shahi baaja, buzzing with intricate riffs and experimental effects, is at the heart of this sonic exploration, drawing comparisons to artists like Michael Flower and Sandy Bull.
Fermentation reflects Jake’s journey with chronic pain, recorded in short sessions due to his physical limitations. This constraint led to a more structured, deliberate approach, resulting in a dynamic interplay between intensity and serene reflection.
What struck me most about Fermentation is how the ragas have a distinctly modern tone without losing their traditional depth. Jake adds electronic elements that never feel forced and naturally fit into the looping melodies and structures.
Raga rock is always meant to be hypnotic, and on Fermentation, the music is easy to get lost in. It pulls you into its world and doesn’t let go. I should also note the beautiful cover art that Jake created. Upon seeing the art, I pictured it frequently while listening to the record, imagining the bold colors pulsating like one of those psychedelic video visualizers that are so popular today.
Fermentation is an excellent record for anyone with even the slightest interest in raga rock. This collection of songs simultaneously exists in the past, present, and future. It revives folk traditions while also eyeing a future where perhaps all boundaries dissolve and we really do find peace and unity. For a genre with spiritual roots, maybe that’s the best thematic element of all.
Check out Fermentation by Jake Blanchard on Bandcamp here.
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