Signia is the latest Punjabi talent to hail from Canada. The duo, LV and San-J, recently performed at the Zee International Bhangra Championships in New York and have dropped their first album, entitled "Yours For The Taking." Their style isn't hardcore Bhangra nor is it heavily sampled and remixed Punjabi. Rather, they present some original material which can best be classified as Punjabi Pop. Their style is similar to the UK Punjabi group Sahotas, as they combine elements from different music genres, using traditional Punjabi instruments and vocals with guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers.

There are a total of 15 tracks on the album, including the intro, interludes, and promos. A couple of these are what you expect from this type of album, your typical upbeat Punjabi songs, including "Bhangre," "Dil Nachde," and "Naal Nachna." You also get some slow laid back beautiful tracks, including "Maan" and 2 versions of "Joban." They also do 2 versions of "Bhangre," the 2nd one featuring a girl rapper, Lil' D. This singer is also featured on a remix to "Janu Meri Jaan." The album rounds out with a "Wedding Boliyan," which possesses some great beats, but is over 9 minutes long. Like I said earlier, Signia's style is reminiscent of Sahotas, especially from their "Revolution" album, so if you've heard them before, then you kind of know what to expect here.

The interludes on the album were interesting. The first, titled "Yaadan," has a woman in the background saying "Now let's all go back into time and take a trip down memory lane." We hear a kid struggling and then proceeding to use the bathroom and flush the toilet. He then calls out to his mom to come clean him. I didn't think this was where the trip down memory lane would take us and I really don't see its place in the album. The second interlude, titled "Ode to Baksho - featuring Gopi" has a kid with an annoying voice asking for a beat. So Gopi starts beat-boxing with his mouth, but the kid wants an Indian beat and some Tumbi, so then these are beat-boxed in as well. It actually sounds kind of cool when they're all put together. Then the kid sings his ode to Baksho, totally off key, to the tune of 'Bingo was his name-o,' which ruins the beat but is funny at the same time. It's not as good as the 'Freshie MC' interlude off the E=MC album but it's still pretty amusing. At the very end of the album we get some promos from upcoming artists off the Music Mind label, including KS Bhamra, Sardara Gill, and Navdeep Sandhu.

Overall, Signia presents a collection of music in a style that hasn't been heard in a while. They're still not up to the level of some other original Punjabi Pop artists out there, but it's clear from this album that with some work and time they could be there. Be on the lookout for this Canadian duo.

For more info www.signiaonline.com

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