Few bands can say they are the sole subject of a fanzine. But mystic gurus of Post-Britpop Kula Shaker can make that claim. In fact, the sixth issue of Strange Folk, a magazine published by diehards devoted to all things Kula, was released last month.
Strange Folk includes the most comprehensive coverage you would ever want of the group, and this issue includes an extensive review of their latest album, Pilgrim's Progress. It also includes chords for two tracks, ideal for music buffs who want to jam, and is available as a free download.
Originally called The Kays, the quartet of Crispian Mills (vocals/guitar), Alonza Bevan (bass), Paul Winterhart (drums) and Saul Dimont (vocals) formed in 1993.
The Kays struggled to find success and Dimont was soon replaced by Jay Darlington on keyboard, but the band's luck did not improve.
After taking a spiritual journey to India, Mills became enthralled by Indian mysticism. He and his bandmates decided to change their name to Kula Shaker, an anglicised version of King Kulasekhara, a noble leader with saintly qualities in eighth century India. They incorporated Indian instruments into their music and even featured Sanskrit-inspired lyrics.
'Tattva had a chorus that was adapted from an ancient Sanskrit text and a colourful organ and guitar riff, which essentially encapsulated the band's sound,' All Music Guide's Tom Erlewine says of the band's debut single.
The name change and new spiritual direction blended well with the members' characters, and within months, the psychedelic quartet was offered a contract with Columbia Records.