High Tide’s long-awaited debut album, Bula!, out on Jan 30 2026, is a cross-cultural fusion led by sitarist and composer Sasha Bayan. At the very heart of the record lies the sitar, not as an exotic ornament, but as the album’s emotional and structural centerpiece.
From the very first notes, it is clear that the album balances between North Indian classical traditions and Western sensibilities, creating a space where traditional motifs and contemporary techniques speak the same language. It works as a good reminder to all of us that true tradition isn’t a static artifact to be preserved behind glass. On the contrary it can be a vibrant form of art that remains vital and is there ready to be blended with modern scenes to create sounds that are both rooted and innovative. In doing so it stops a culture from becoming a “caricature” of itself, it allows younger artists to claim their heritage while it proves that different cultures can interact and create something entirely new without losing their original soul.
Utilizing a plethora of acoustic instruments, the melodic themes engage in a constant dialogue between the violin, the French horn, the guitars and the sitar. Whether these voices are clashing in argument or harmonizing in agreement, they consistently complement one another, while the percussion layer provides a warm touch and works as glue for the entire arrangement.
As we highlighted earlier, the sitar remains the undisputed protagonist of this musical journey. Whether navigating fast staccato runs or lush, interconnected legato melodies, it remains beautifully articulate and defined in every register. And while maintaining a listener’s engagement over an entirely instrumental album is a tricky challenge, this record succeeds by trading lyrical hooks for narrative storytelling through sound.
Selecting a standout track was an easy task; Kava on Carl, with its inviting, warm keys in the intro and a distinctive sitar theme, it perfectly captures the vibe of the entire production while remaining catchy long after the music stops.
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