“I’m joining Sonar Bangla with the psychedelic vibes of the circus.”

After a hiatus following their 2020 release Hyena Express, the acclaimed indie rock band Shonar Bangla Circus has returned with a sprawling dual studio album. Released last month, the two-disc project—Mohashoshan 1 and Mohashoshan 2—features 17 tracks that blend the band’s signature unsettling lyrics with rich, immersive instrumentation.

When three of the four members—Probar Ripon, Shakil Haque, and Saad Chowdhury—visited The Daily Star offices, the conversation quickly moved beyond the albums themselves. They spoke at length about their musical philosophy, the art of building a sound rooted in restlessness, and the challenges of creating “Bangla funk” with a bandmate still deepening his connection with the region’s sonic heritage. Electric guitarist Seth Panduranga Blumberg, affectionately known as Pandu, joined from California, adding a distinct global perspective to the discussion.

Probar Ripon explained why the album took nearly three years to complete. “With 17 songs and elaborate arrangements, this is not a simple project,” he said. Unlike Hyena Express, which relied on a traditional rock setup, Mohashoshan employs a much broader musical palette, layering instruments such as dhol, violin, and more. “Recording the previous album took four days, and mixing and mastering just two months. This double album demanded far greater care and attention,” Ripon added.

Pandu reflected on the depth of Bangladeshi music. “Its grooves, philosophies, and performers are profound—true treasures of humanity. The funk and cosmic energy resonate deeply with me,” he said, highlighting his role in arranging the music. Meanwhile, regular touring—up to 12 shows a month—and political disruptions also slowed production, but ultimately allowed the album to reach its full potential.

What distinguishes Shonar Bangla Circus from other local bands is their deliberate departure from conventional Bangladeshi rock. “It’s more like lyrical music theatre—or even opera,” Ripon noted. “Our psychedelic approach sets us apart.” Pandu added, “Music is our cosmic story. When our minds and sounds merge, we tell both individual and collective tales.”

Keyboardist Saad, whose first language is not Bangla, emphasised the power of music as a unifying force. “Even if I don’t fully grasp the lyrics, I feel their intensity. Music transcends language,” he said, praising the band’s open-mindedness. Bassist Shakil underscored the long-standing bonds between members, which naturally inform their musical chemistry.

Thematically, Mohashoshan grapples with universal experiences like life, death, and suffering. “We’re not commenting on isolated events,” Shakil said. “This is a timeless, global reality. Music captures that essence without needing a fixed agenda.” Ripon added, “Lyrics are mirrors. They reveal truth, even if it’s uncomfortable—just like the real world.”

The band also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence. While AI offers technical assistance, all members agreed it cannot replicate human emotion. Live performance remains central to their ethos. “We would never want a machine to be part of Shonar Bangla Circus,” Shakil asserted.

Finally, the conversation turned to royalties, highlighting persistent inequalities on global platforms. “Payments based on views are fair in principle,” Ripon said, “but local artists still earn far less than their Western counterparts.”

Album Overview

With Mohashoshan, Shonar Bangla Circus confirms its position as a band that defies convention, merging cerebral lyricism, complex arrangements, and a uniquely Bangladeshi funk sensibility to create music that is both reflective and arresting.