In May 2020 Shapes of Rhythm released Awkward Corners' (AKA Chris Menist) Dislocation Songs LP which by chance fell in sync with the mood of the globe even though it was years in the making. The LP featured on Best of 2020 lists from Tom Ravenscroft, Strut Records, Bandcamp and more, so a conversation began about making a remotely broadcast live session between Chris and Sarathy Korwar available. The session had come about in absence of a release party or celebration of the LP's release. Chris and Sarathy collaborated together online in isolation and the resulting three improvisations were broadcast on NTS Radio in UK.
Live on NTS meditates on the same rhythms, tones and feelings that came from Dislocation Songs. Only now Chris and Sarathy were apart and new meaning was brought into the performance. Chris plays Illimba, electronic instruments and the Shahi Baaja, whilst Sarathy provides Tabla and FX.
Part One features deep sub bass tones and persistent Shahi Baaja which roll through the mix like waves whilst electronic notes pepper the composition. Part Two brings twisted 808 sounds and an Illimba melody and is the EP's groove-based track. Part Three is the out there cut from Live on NTS. Loosely based around Dislocation Songs' closing track John Dillinger's Death Mask an electronic hip hop beat guides the listener. The Shahi Baaja leads alongside upfront Tabla rhythms from Sarathy ending with them drenched in delay.