After a two-year hiatus, former Cactus frontman Pota is back on track in a new avatar, Pota Ar Moruddyan — a trio comprising ex-Abhilasha guitarist Aayan and Nong from Manipur on the violin. The band launched its debut album Shaada Kaalo (Big Music) on Tuesday. With reflective tunes and thoughtful lyrics, the trio manages to pack in quite a punch in its maiden album, which treads off the mainstream and exudes that raw and timeless appeal of traditional folk alongside some grungy, groovy originals.

Pota belts his heart out with Lalan Fakir’s Netai, Ghorer chabi and Moti ke gourangey, soaked in soulful strings, woodwinds, esraj and bass. The band adds a twist to Kolonkini Radha, the popular pick of the record.

With plans for post-launch shows around the city, Bangla rock aficionados bored of monotony now have a reason to smile with these fresh tunes.

Mohua Das