AR Rahman has been always identfied with pop music.Rhythm is out to break that notion.Representing the elements is something classical music often attempts --
"Rhythm"with its mix of vigorous graces and delicately knotted phrases not just the physical manifestations of the monsoon but also the emotions that the season seems to mirror -- the aural beauty of birds calling, peacocks dancing in anticipation, the gathering of dark clouds, the tumult of thunder and lightning and the relief the showers bring to the parched earth are all linked to the wait for the lover, and the swinging moods within the heart.
Shifting moods represent the river in the opening track by Unnimenon. It starts with a tarana phrase, joins up with some waltz beats and chords, and strays into a Karnatak phrase or two. The tabla/dholak, and thavil carry on in the spate of the river. A violin plays Celtic folk phrases with a thavil and violin ensemble as back-up. It leaves you wondering if you've turned on a sax tape by Kenny G. Heavy drums and heavier violins seem to bring the rain clouds and the whole sky in its tumultous array of clouds, colour and light.
It draws on various images and moods of love to evoke the elements. While the sky is the vast longing for the beloved, water is the beloved woman in different stages of life. Wind is love, blowing you off your feet, while fire is the coming together.
All five tracks are long by film song standards, allowing for a huge soundscape.For all the instruments Rahman uses, one does not feel this album is rooted strongly in Indian music and then taking off in creative flights. That is the good and bad part of it. It does not touch you like intuitive, great music, yet it may mesmerise you for its strange use of sounds and instruments.