Motherjane have always been a virtuous bunch. Socially aware to say the least, they have often been described as the quintessential Indian rock band. A hard rock band with roots deep within the fabric of Indian tradition, they are one of the few groups fortunate enough to be able to transcend the local scene and be heard the world over. That is probably the reason why, when it came time for Amnesty International’s joint venture with Spanish DJ duo Buffetlibre to feature bands from over 50 different countries in a compilation entitled ‘PEACE’ promoting human rights, the first band chosen to embody the essence of the country were this eminent quintet from Cochin with over a decade of experience and two critically acclaimed albums under their collective belts.

Along with local stalwarts Menwhopause and Shaair+func, Motherjane will represent India in this collection aiming to spread the message of justice, fairness, freedom and truth – already recurring themes in numerous Motherjane songs. Bringing this iconic band out of hibernation with a song written exclusively for the compilation entitled ‘The Tribes of Babel’, the bands first track released in over a year and a half sees them falling back into brilliance without missing a beat.

A track along the lines of, dare I say it Lennon classics ‘Imagine’ and ‘Give Peace a Chance’, this song reverberates with the same honesty and passion the band is renowned for. Kicking off with a pulsating cadence, the rhythm section of Clyde and John hold together an ultra tight groove, before allowing chiming guitars and Suraj’s emotive vocals to take lead.

The song’s striking lyrics deserve a special mention. Evocative but graceful, the core message of beauty in diversity resonates thoroughly in today’s day and age. Words with soul, these couplets confer heart wrenching imagery of a world united in imagination and with a purpose to repair and change itself.

Midway through, the song completely alters direction turning into a stunning free fall for all, with some truly explosive old school progressive riffs and incredible dexterity on the drum parts. Loaded in visceral instrumentation, it all builds to a heady climax where all the sounds coalesce leading out with the sound of Baiju’s wailing guitar.

A bustling melody layered on top of an enchanting chord progression renders this song as an unskippable track on your playlist, a poignant promise of humanity and an enduring hymn of solace and peace.

*Shikher Chaudhary, an avid fan of indie rock, punk and jazz spends his time blogging, drumming and listening to music. An ardent supporter of Indian Rock he hopes to popularize the scene working as the Mumbai correspondent for Rock Street Journal.