Track of the Day: Dr Sinha’s Jazz Lobotomy “Invisible Kids” (2018)

Following the success of their debut single “Grown Man” in 2017, Melbourne jazz & soul ensemble Dr. Sinha’s Jazz Lobotomy return with a brand new single “Invisible Kids” and accompanying music video.

Contrived by guitarist and vocalist Chinmay Sinha as a way of exploring his own identity and culture through music in Australia, the seven piece have quickly risen up the ranks of Melbourne’s improv jazz and groove scene. Growing up between two competing cultures, the Indian-Australian musician bounced back and forth between Australia and his homeland, before eventually settling in Melbourne. Struggling to find himself represented in either the Australian or Indian music scenes, Sinha began to embrace American genres like soul and jazz. Describing his goals for the group, Sinha stated:

“One of my broader goals is to create representation for the people of my ethnicity and culture in the Australian arts and music community. I think we can’t be what we can’t see, and I want people from migrant backgrounds to see themselves in the creative arts here in Australia.”

New single, “Invisible Kids” was inspired by the work Sinha does with at-risk youth teaching music. “Dealing with identity and race as a young person can be tricky, but music gives us some agency with those issues, as it allows us to express ourselves in ways that feel valuable” Sinha explained. “Invisible Kids” is a solid and striking track; bright and bold, with a killer groove and a utterly mesmerising vocal performance. Lyrically, there is a tinge of melancholy at work, perhaps reinforced by the video’s visuals, that juxtaposes nicely with the instrumental. There is a definite vibe to this track, one that I don’t mind at all!

“Invisible Kids” is available to stream now. Find out more about the band on their Facebook and Instagram.

Simon Clark

Books Editor. An admirer of songs and reader of books. Simon has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. All errant apostrophes are his own.