Listen: Aqua Dominatrix Debut Album ‘Sadomist’

Aqua Dominatrix has just put out his debut release, a 12-track album titled ‘Sadomist’. Hailing from Mumbai producer Akshay Rajpurohit is known more for his work as part of popular metal bands Scribe and Pangea. Rajpurohit’s Aqua Dominatrix sees him not so much step out of his comfort zone as much as leap out of it. Gone are the heady metal bursts of his guitar, replaced instead by free-floating synthpop.

Album opener ‘Scarred One’ is an intriguing track, layered with awkward time signatures and sounds, adjusting the listener’s ear for the sonic journey they are about to partake in. ‘Cuffs’ is a particularly catchy disco-infused foot stomper. Running five minutes, the track is easy to lose yourself in. Perhaps the most entertaining track on the album is ‘Shrue’, a head-bobbing synth and analog explosion of squeaks. Pleasant on the ears and full of substance, the song takes you down an almost video game inspired rabbit hole full of well placed muffles and an easy to follow beat. The active, light ‘I know you are, but what am I?’ is the other standout, beginning with the shrill wails of an upset baby. The track is as dance friendly as they come from ‘Sadomist’, urging listeners to get off their swivelling office chairs and dance.

This author must admit to having a preconceived notion of what the music would be like before he heard even the first song. The act’s name, album’s title, artist’s metal background and general descriptors used by Rajpurohit on his social media channels, can lead you to expect be a dark, gloomy body of work, but instead ‘Sadomist’ is actually surprisingly cheerful as it leads you down its synth-ridden dreamscape.

A disclaimer at the bottom of the track list reads all tracks were recorded live at the studio. An impressive feat considering the heavy use of layering, beat distribution and general gear required. ‘Sadomist’ is an enticing example of what Rajpurohit’s live set could be like, and that will be a show worth checking out.

For more details on Aqua Dominatrix and his future releases follow him on Facebook here. You can listen ‘Sadomist’ in its entirety below:

Words: Aditya Keswani