Atomic Forest

Atomic Forest was a popular Indian psychedelic and hard rock band from Mumbai, active in the early-1970s, formed by Neel Chattopadhyaya, with Keith Kanga, Valentine Lobo and Madhukar C.Dhas. The band's lineup changed over the years, as members left and others took their place. It was thought that they had recorded a single album, Obsession '77 However, since 2011, two LPs have been reissued by Now-Again Records, Obsession,[1] and Disco Roar (a rediscovered first-album).

Atomic Forest
OriginMumbai, India
GenresPsychedelic rock, heavy Rock
Years active1971–1979
LabelsMusic India, Now-Again Records
Past members
  • Neel Chattopadhyaya
  • Madhukar Dhas
  • Keith Kanga
  • Valentine Lobo
  • Jerry DeMoss
  • Abraham Mammen
  • Glen Gilbanks
  • Dheena Chandra Dhas
  • Jimi
  • Ritchie
  • Cedric
  • Bosco Monsorate
  • Rajneesh Duggal
  • Dhanraj Skau
  • Zubin Balaporia
  • Bunty Duggal
  • Nandu Bhende

Background

Atomic Forest only recorded one album, which was not released until after the band had dissolved, in 1981.[2] Obsession 77 was re-released in January 2011 by Now-Again Records, a Los Angeles-based label. It caught the attention of collectors[3] as it was the only psychedelic rock album that was ever produced in India.[4] The group also featured in Abhimanyu Kukreja's rockumentary, Evolution of Indian Rock.[5] The band is also famously known for performing with English rock band Led Zeppelin.[6]

Members

Original Atomic Forest Line-up
  • Neel Chattopadhyaya: Original lead guitarist and founder of the group
  • Madhukar C. Dhas: Original frontman and vocalist
  • Keith Kanga: Original bass player
  • Valentine Lobo: Original drummer

First Phase of Subsequent Members
  • Glen Gilbanks: Vocals
  • Keith Kanga: Bass guitar
  • Jerry DeMoss: Drums
  • Abraham Mammen: Lead guitar

Second Phase of Subsequent Members (around 1976)
  • Dheena Chandra Dhas: Vocals
  • Abraham Mammen: Lead guitar
  • Jerry DeMoss: Drums
  • Keith Kanga: Bass guitar

Third Phase of Subsequent Members (until around 1979-80)
  • Dheena Chandra Dhas: Vocals
  • Jimi: Lead guitar
  • Ritchie: Bass guitar
  • Cedric: Drums

This lineup later changed names around 1980, to become the band "Hope", and they were the backing band for the rock opera "Tommy" in which Dheena also acted.

Other Members
  • Bosco Monsorate: Guitar
  • Rajneesh Duggal: Role unknown.
  • Dhanraj Skau: Role unknown.
  • Zubin Balaporia: Role unknown.
  • Bunty Duggal: Role unknown.
  • Nandu Bhende: Sang for the band for a short period.

Notes
  • Keith Kanga: Stopped playing after finger paralysis, continued exclusively as the band's manager.

Madhukar Dhas joined the band in 1971.[7] Also that year, Jazz musician Joe Alvarez played with the band at Blow-up in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.[8]

Nandu Bhende, a former member of the group, died of a heart attack on 18 May 2014.[7][9][10][11]

Discography
Albums
Title Label Year Notes #
Obsession '77 Music India 2392 580 1981 LP
Produced by Sharon Prabhakar
Obsession Now-Again Records NA 5087 2011 2LP
Compilation
Disco Roar Now-Again Records NA 5188LP 2019 LP

[12]

Further reading

References
  1. Rathbone, Oregano. "FALLOUT BOYS - Record Collector Magazine". Record Collector Magazine. Record Collector Magazine. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  2. The Caravan, 1 July 2012 - Flashback | Forest of Sound
    An author reflects on hazy days in the Bombay rock scene - Simon Frank
  3. Egon. "Unearthing Five Lost Gems From Psychedelic India". NPR.org. NPR Music. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  4. The Hindu, 28 December 2012 - MUSIC, Atomic Forest - By JANAKI LENIN
  5. Ghosh, Devarsi (24 August 2019). "'Rockumentary' film chronicles the highs and lows of Indian rock through eight decades". scroll.in. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  6. July 2015, Rob Hughes 23. "Led Zeppelin in India: the true story behind the secret Bombay sessions". loudersound. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  7. Breznikar, Klemen (10 September 2012). "Atomic Forest interview with Madhukar Dhas (aka Madooo)". It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  8. Mid-Day, 30 Apr 2015 - Famous Personalities , Mumbai's Jazz musicians recall their first performances, Joe Alvarez by Suprita Mitter
  9. Mid Day, 19 May 2014 - The Rockstar: A tribute to Mumbai's rock legend Nandu Bhendu
  10. Indian Bands Hub - Atomic Forest (1)
  11. DAS FRÖHLICHEWOHNZIMMER - Dinosaurs: "Sinister Purpose" (1970)(3)
  12. Discogs - Atomic Forest, Discography
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