Bio

Rajas (Sanskrit) is a philosophical principle that promotes or upholds the activity of action, change, mutation, passion, excitement, birth, creation, generation in Nature.

Rooted from the center of the earth stretching up into the ether, an expanding head hovers above the clouds tasting the metallic ions that deflect across its chattering teeth. Like a migraine at its breaking point, the tension builds until the cranium breaks the vice-like grip and bursts into a series of released tendrils that shoot out across the horizon.

Rajas began with an outpouring of songs written by Los Angeles composer Ben Sherazi—an unorthodox weaving of harmonies over driving, hypnotic rhythms. A Joni Mitchell dreamed atmosphere with a bird’s eye view of a chaotic underbelly, resulting in a bubbling Bitches Brew with a West Coast marine layer drifting over top of it. The recording process began with drummers James Maxwell and Aaron Harris (ISIS). Knowing that the recordings could only be performed live by musicians with more fire than Hades, Paul Jones was brought in on bass, along with album co-producer Gino Barboni on drums, and Vince DeFranco on analog synthesis and a ‘69 Fender Rhodes.

The rhythm section creates a rumbling pulse that's at once entrancing, while at other times, hostile and chaotic. Above this is Sherazi's unique chordal system of harmonious dissonance, creating a colorful haze, complimented by distinct vocals and the soundblasts radiating from musician/inventor and longtime Timothy Leary associate, Vince DeFranco (to see his array of inventions, visit http://www.synesthesiacorp.com).

Rajas’ self-titled album will be released in June 2010. Rajas’ live performances are already garnering attention for their dynamic range and unpredictability. The strength of the live show led TOOL to add Rajas as the support act on their 2010 North American summer tour. Rajas’ current lineup is recording hoards of new material, with future releases forthcoming.