If you are not familiar with traditional Nepali folk music, RATO MATO can sound like a complete original record. This album brings together some evergreen Nepali folk songs and places them in a rock background; using guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards and breathes new life into old favorites, and remarkably this all comes together very well. You can call this experimental type of music as Neo-Nepalese folk rock. Released on 2009, RATO MATO is still one of the best albums to come out of the folk music revival. Most importantly, Diwas Gurung and his band members made sure that they didn’t not over do the rock aspect. This album’s opener, “Chyangba Hoi Chyangba” is re-imagined and revamped in a way that matches with the Pink Floyd’s mood. “Asarai Mainama” the endless classic, originally sung by Chusan Dukpa, certainly is one of Diwas Gurung’s finest achievements. Even when sticking largely to the original arrangements, Diwas Gurung performs with a giddiness that gives the music a fresh kick, and it's that enthusiasm that elevates this album above the average tribute. With proper amount of drum and bass while keeping alive the traditional melodies, this album was revolutionary. The album features two originals; “Domestic Bliss” sung by Tom Burchinal, influenced by Paul McCartney and “Mai Runchu” written by Diwas Gurung’s father, who was also a Nepali folk singer-song writer.