Kula Shaker’s previous album, the almighty K (1996) was a real triumph, and I dare say it was much more inventive regarding how it incorporated the musical elements of classical Indian tradition. “Govinda” and “Tattva,” in particular, represent a refreshing and innovative blend of India-infused psychedelia – and I wish there was more of that here.
I’m trying to say that, with K, Kula Shaker took something from their fascination with 1960s mysticism and expanded upon it – but in Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts, the band sort of wear their inspirations on their sleeve. We end up with tracks like “108 Battles (Of the Mind)” which is an unadulterated, straight-up throwback to 1960s British Invasion psychedelia. Or a song like “Timeworm,” whose opening moments nearly had me confused with George Harrison’s “Within You Without You” on Sgt. Pepper.
Put another way: I’m disappointed to see that the most “Indian” moments on the album are the least inspired. Apparently, both “Radhe Radhe” and “Namami Nanda - Nandana” are actually just traditional folk tunes arranged by the band. Covers, in other words – feels kinda cheap on Kula Shaker’s part. It’s an odd feeling: the first half of “Radhe Radhe” is played straight and traditionally, and honestly it’s kind of a banger on its own… but this isn’t Kula Shaker! It’s bizarre how a band who is renowned for their admiration (and respect?) of Indian musical tradition incorporates such music, and yet, sonically, it barely belongs on this album at all. They did something with “Sleeping Jiva” on the previous album that they didn’t do here. I suppose it’s a question of flow, and how these songs almost interrupt the album-wide listening experience.
That might sound kinda bad, but I will admit it’s kinda unfair to evaluate the album from that angle. Thankfully, Peasants is more enjoyable if you approach it from a different angle.
The truth is, the majority of this album is fun, proggy and sometimes downright silly. That’s a good thing. I’m happy to report that Kula Shaker don’t have any qualms with verging on goofy. For example, “Mystical Machine Gun” is a total romp with an almost laughable refrain, but the band maintains a high degree of self-awareness and they don’t take themselves too seriously.
I have a few other nitpicks. “Last Farewell” is a short and extremely underdeveloped track whose downtempo, chill shade of psych does not work in its favor. The hidden final track “Stotra” sits behind 5 minutes of literal silence, which is my least favorite gimmick of CD albums from the 1990s. Lots of bands did this in the early CD era. I’ve never appreciated it. It’s extra annoying here because Kula Shaker did the same thing on K with the song “Hollow Man.”
Let’s end on a positive note. Definitely the best thing about this album is that it does not feel like the 50 minute runtime – it blows by very, very fast. That’s largely on account of, ultimately, how fun this album is altogether. Too bad it’s got kind of a weak finish, though.
Favorite tracks: “Shower Your Love,” “Sound of Drums”, “Golden Avatar”
Least favorite tracks: “I’m Still Here,” “Last Farewell”
GRADE: B