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The Leemoo Gang — A Family Business
(Castle Records (FR) CR024, 2025, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2026-06-26

A Family Business Cover art

Around a year ago we reviewed two releases Shankari and Fifth Element by Jee and Bee, a duo led by French guitarist / composer Bernard Margarit and composer / sitarist Joyeeta Sanyal (Margarit), along with various guests. Among those guests were their children, Tania Margarit (keyboards and vocals) and drummer Leo Margarit. Since those two releases they have changed the name of the group to The Leemoo Gang, and this, the first release under that new name — also an EP much like its two predecessors — given that the four core members are all part of the same family, is titled A Family Business. Business? One thing that should be said right up front is that this latest effort is a much stronger release than either of the Jee and Bee EPs; more edge, more groove, and far more intensity, which pretty much boils down to more attention to the compositions and arrangements throughout, and although at times things get more repetitive than they need to be, for the most part these pieces are far more engaging. “Crazy Mind,” a Joyeeta composition, starts off this five song set, which prominently features konnakol vocalizing by guest Udupa Giridhar, who also provides ghatam (clay pot percussion) and morsing (Indian counterpart to a jaw harp), amid electronics, sitar, vocals by Tania Margarit and much more, and although there is no bass credited, there is plenty of bass present, either the work of keyboards or effected guitar. “Song for Tania” picks it up from there, another powerful piece that features guest player Prabhu Edouard on tabla and percussion, with a touch of Caribbean style and a great solo from Bernard; vocal processing is used on several tracks, doubling and harmonizing, which gives the vocals a much stronger presence. “Jeetu” is Bernard’s composition, an unabashed rocker that highlights his guitar work throughout the piece, as well as Tania’s keys, vocals, and more, while “Ishwara” follows unusual rhythms, where Nayan Margarit handles the drums and special guest Manjunath B.C. is credited with mrindangam as well as kanjira and konnakol. Closing the set, “Song for Bonu” with its double-tracked vocals seems to be perhaps the most laid back piece here until a steady drum figure comes in mid song, nearly taking the piece into dance territory. All taken, A Family Business has far more clarity and purpose than either of the earlier EPs and offers an enjoyable listen for anyone seeking something of an Indo-pop-rock sound.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Jee & Bee / The Leemoo Gang

More info
http://www.castle-records.fr/produit/the-leemoo-gang-a-family-business/

 

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