The Identity Crisis is a rock band based in Gurgaon. Formed by classmates Sharang Sasan and Vidur Hans while still in school, the duo continued to pursue their passion after passing out from school and released two demo videos ‘ Fall Away’ and ‘I came for you’, both of which were featured on MTV Roots. The band then went into the recording studio to record their debut album and released the single ‘ Set Me Free’ which was also featured on MTV Roots and received airplay on HIT 95 FM through Delhi and the National Capital Region.
The band released their debut album ‘Trouble in Paradise’ in October 2014 with an album launch tour playing at Hard Rock Café venues across four cities in India namely Gurgaon, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Tour 2014 was sponsored by Videocon Mobile. The Tour was followed by a series of concerts and performances and Tour 2015 sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance, Mother Dairy and Velocity.
The Band is now in pre-production for their new album and in Tour 2017 their new single was released ‘Begin Again’ which was featured in VH1t.
The band released their second studio album Screaming for Change in September 2018. The album features 7 Tracks and their single Begin Again has been featured on VH1. The album was also favourably reviewed by Rolling Stone. The music is a marked departure from their earlier sound although some sonic references may be familiar. The band has also augmented its sound with the introduction of keyboards in the odd track to create more ambience and the saxophone which features prominently in three of the seven songs on the album. While the band has experimented with musical styles, grooves and instrumentation driven by the bass and drums and open and alternate chord voicing on guitars as well as guitar and sax interludes and solos to compliment the music, its rock leanings do come across.The lyrics too are more outward focused this time than the inward looking lyrics on the last album. The band’s relentless focus on melodic compositions and meaningful lyrics has paid dividends this time around as well and the music and songs though varied and diverse is held together by that very intrinsic quality that is the creative source of all music- catchy tunes and words to live by… T he title too tries to capture the voice of a generation as world events, technology, environment and the constant churn race ahead while people continue to struggle to keep pace…The band plans a concept concert and tour around the album later this year.
Timson Thomas, Vocals
Timson’s soaring powerful vocals propel the band and defines the sound. A seasoned vocalist having performed and toured with Bandish and Parikrama, he brings a new dynamic to the band with his stage presence and vocal style.
Timson also sings for the Gospel group Acts of Apostles and has recorded the vocal tracks on various radio and TV commercials such as Wagon R , Pepsi, Hero Honda, Airtel, Vodafone etc.
On a humbling note he secured a 1st rank in the Grade 8 vocal exam of Trinity College of Music, London.
Sharang Sasan: Guitar, Vocals
Sharang is the heart of the band. As guitar player and songwriter he drives the band with his passion and creative music. Sharang composes the band’s material. His compositions have a unique quality enhanced by the themes, tone and structure of the songs as well as his introspective and deep lyrics. His onstage presence and energy electrifies audiences during performances.
Shardul Sasan: Drums, Vocals
Shardul is the powerhouse of the band. A strong and accomplished drummer, he is technically sound and experienced having played onstage with musicians over the years. Shardul’s drive and energy and inspirational playing powers the band and is integral to its creativity in the studio while enthralling audiences onstage. Shardul has played with his progressive rock band ‘Dark Matter’ and blues band ‘ Shades of Blue’in Pune.
Ravi Sasan: Guitar, Vocals
Founder member, guitar player and lead vocalist for one of India’s earliest premier heavy metal bands’, ‘Black Widow’, the band performed across the country back in the day with ticketed concerts in Bombay and Delhi and headlining BITS Pilani and appearances at IIT Delhi. Ravi’s heavy metal influences and philosophical leanings, broodings and observations as well as interest in poetry are evident in his writing and his songs
Akshat Pradhan: Bassist
Akshat Pradhan Bassist extraordinaire. Akshat has been making waves as a bassist on the music scene for many years now. Founder member of fusion band Pakshee and High Time, he is a much in demand sessions player and has featured on numerous recordings and concerts with various artists. Akshat featured on The Identity Crisis demo tapes way back in 2011 and the 2018 release Screaming for Change.
Vidur Hans: Vocals and Bass on the album
Vidur is currently in the UK studying music production
Brennon Denfer: Bass, Vocals
Brennon has been on the music scene for over 25 years. Bassist extraordinaire he has played with stalwarts like Louis Banks, Shubha Mudgal Steve Sequera and been part of Indian rockers Nirvana, Bandish and Silk Route. Brennon’s repertoire spans genres from jazz to funk to rock and metal. He has featured on many private albums and Hindi movie soundtracks as well as on Coke Studio. Brennon also has his own drum and bass ensemble Basspunkt and his work features on many prominent albums.