Kula Shaker

The Profile

Kula Shaker are an English band formed in London in 1995 by singer-guitarist Crispian Mills and bassist Alonza Bevan. Fusing psychedelic rock with Indian instrumentation and themes, they broke through with the multi-platinum debut K (1996) and singles like Tattva, Govinda and Hey Dude. After a hiatus, they reformed in 2005, releasing Strangefolk (2007), Pilgrim’s Progress (2010) and K 2.0 (2016).

Core members include Crispian Mills (vocals, guitar), Alonza Bevan (bass) and Paul Winterhart (drums). Early keyboardist Jay Darlington later played with Oasis; Harry Broadbent subsequently handled keys. The band are noted for Sanskrit lyrics and raga-rock elements alongside 1960s-influenced psychedelia.

DeBaser’s six reviews chart Kula Shaker’s arc from the explosive, sitar-laced debut K to comebacks and course-corrections. Live, they’re praised as an ‘acid sound wall’. Strangefolk is a welcome reunion; Pilgrim’s Progress leans elegiac and acoustic. K 2.0 splits opinions with only flashes of classic raga-rock sparkle.