If you are into ‘Faithless’, you may have been guided by the incessant and omnipresent heartbeat of its percussive impetus. Sudha Kheterpal is the phenomenal talent behind much of that band’s success in the dance and trance arena. Fans of the scene may already be aware that she has been behind the success of Faithless, while also playing for other luminaries such as Dido and even The Spice Girls.

Her drumming skills, which she suggests are intrinsic to her Asian roots, many of which have been laced and interwoven into this outstanding debut album, from the likes of Shilpa Shetty and Lata Mangeshkar, sit very contentedly alongside her fascination for electro-pop of the 1980s. However, this is the first album in which she has been noted as both the writer and the producer.

What has resulted is ten tracks of catchy, hook-laden and exceptionally well-constructed electronica, with Sudha’s intuitive percussive talents taking centre-stage but not overwhelming the overall sound that results. She even indulges in some haunting vocals on a couple of them, although she has also drawn together the talents of other musicians to support her endeavours and incorporates a side of her character that we have never witnessed before.
Recorded in London, Paris and Berlin, this album is really rather special and Anti-Freeze is as much a display of cultural nuances as a concept dedicated to defrosting the barriers to progress on an international basis. It is more than obvious that this is an intelligent and thought-provoking musical indulgence, yet it is constructed completely without guile and with an awareness of its listening audience that avoids condescension and delivers satisfaction at every juncture. Great music, with an ice-breaking intensity. Set for release on March 2nd 2009.

Iain Robertson