Mirror Magazine - Feel the fusion

Enter a higher realm of listening with the fresh new sounds of ‘Thriloka’, an indigenous fusion band dedicated to bringing Sri Lankan music to the masses… They believe that a person’s ability to appreciate art is humanity’s most precious gift to us. On that note, here’s an up-close and personal moment with the individuals, who have taken it upon themselves to play “what the heart hears”…

“Our music is not about politics, conflict, race, tribe, east or west; when needed there is calm, when needed there is storm,” says band member cum dance and drum instructor Pabalu Erange Wijegoonawardane. By blending rock with typically Sri Lankan music, Thriloka hopes to give the rock music industry in Sri Lanka a new face. “Although we were into rock, we’ve always been into real ‘love and peace’ bands like Uriah Heep, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple,” he added. “We realised that rock alone doesn’t really connect with a lot of people, and so we decided to experiment by creating a fusion of rock and ethnic sounds,” he said with a smile.

Being a purely instrumental outfit with authentic ‘chantings’ added on for more effect, Thriloka gets its inspiration from the numerous rituals, traditions and Shanthi Karma that depict the core essence of Sri Lankan culture. “Words tend to limit the scope for expression, whereas wordless music allows the mind to explore and be more imaginative,” he added.

What exactly do they use to create these unique sounds? Actually, it's more like what 'don't' they use? Because, bamboos, logs, stones, metal pieces, shakers, cymbals rain sticks (whatever those are), bells, conch shells, guitars, key boards and every possible type of drum imaginable are all very much a part of Thriloka's percussion line-up!

When asked about the name ‘Thriloka’, Pabalu explained that “they have members ranging in age from 17-40, thus belonging to ‘three’ different generations. Therefore, each member’s contribution to the band is unique, as their approach to the music is from their own respective ‘worlds,’ and therefore very diverse in style, flavour and sound. “Also, you need just ‘three’ things to enjoy our music – a good ear, a good heart and good hips,” he said.

Born into a well-known musical family (the Mihiripannes), Pabalu started learning the drums when he was only ten. Having mastered all types of local drums, the Tabla and various traditional Indian drums, Pabalu is quite the multi-talented musician!

Being around for almost a year now, most of the band’s members met initially in 2004, when they performed as a part of the rock band Aakash, which won ‘Best Original’ at TNL Onstage that year. Thereafter, a few of them decided to break away and form a band of their own, and there’s been no turning back ever since, said Sarani Sathyapriya Perera, the band’s guitarist. Still playing as lead guitarist with Aakash, he too comes from a very musically-inclined family, especially his father Kalani Perera, a locally renowned violinist.

“From the conception stage, right up to the final product, our music continues to evolve. For instance, I have an idea and start playing something. Sarani, will join in and add something to it, gradually each band member will blend in, doing their own different thing, so it’s always a team effort” explained Pabalu. “As a result, we hardly ever play the exact same thing twice,” piped in Sarani with a smile.

Thriloka will also be releasing their debut album ‘Bisura’ – a realm of higher listening, at the concert, where they will also perform the songs on their album live. ‘Bisura’ can best be defined as an overflowing of the diverse, sublime emotions and yearnings of youth, now come together.

Last, but by far not least, meet the integral cogs of Thriloka that set them apart from the rest… Samindu Hemakumara Gunasekara, Visharad Chanaka Peiris, Harshan Asanga Gallage, Sanjeeva Rangana Gurusinghe, Janaka Priyashantha, Sarani and Pabalu. Although from diverse backgrounds and professions, their immense passion for music unites them, and enables them to make time for their music, says Sarani with pride.

So catch Thriloka live as they make their debut performance on July 7 and 8, at 7 p.m. at the Namal-Malini Punchi Theatre, and get your own personal copy of ‘Bisura’, a limited number available at a special discount price only at the concert.

So get your tickets now at the Punchi Theatre, Sarasavi Bookshop, Uyana (Laurie’s Road, Colombo 4), Ana’s Saloon (Kirulapona Mawatha, Colombo 5) and Sage (Nawala Road, Rajagiriya).

Even though they seem to be travelling on the path less travelled, and are not just following the band-wagon, they seem to be quite satisfied doing what they believe in. For, according to Pabalu, “It’s the thrill of the journey, not the end result that’s important!”