India’s independent music scene continues to thrive, and it’s not simply singer-songwriters or rappers main the cost. Bands are additionally carving out a distinct segment for themselves, making their collective voices heard loud and clear. On this version of Indie Unpacked, we highlight a few of the standout new indie music releases, together with Bengaluru/Darjeeling act Obliterating Vortex, New Delhi rock band Nowhere Station’s second album, Pune post-hardcore/shoegaze band Cvrses and extra.
Shalmali Kholgade – “All Good?”
Mumbai artist Shalmali Kholgade has typically veered away from her Hindi pop persona to showcase her R&B and hip-hop influences. If that was “Grind” final 12 months, this 12 months, Kholgade drops the shimmering “All Good?” With Bengaluru/Mumbai producer Clifr including all the precise parts to the beat, Kholgade proves she will be able to actually do all of it with this bop. The artist says in a press release, “This music is sort of a mirror to the world we dwell in immediately. We maintain working after materials issues and overlook about the true which means. I wished this music to start out a dialog whereas nonetheless making individuals benefit from the music and really feel one thing.”
Cvrses – “Marionettes”
Pune-based band Cvrses are the exercise advice act on the block, delivering a well-known however recent debut single known as “Marionettes.” Nicely, acquainted to those that know their post-hardcore and steel within the vein of Deliver Me The Horizon, however recent to those that could be getting launched to genres like various, emo and shoegaze. The band says about their music, “Melancholy and anthemic in equal measure, ‘Marionettes’ is a final kiss in a room on hearth; a metaphor for watching somebody you’re keen on fade away as you maintain them in your embrace for one final time.”
Archiesman Kundu, Rawhit – “Kasa Kai”
Kolkata-based Archiesman Kundu and producer Rawhit attempt their hand at a extra Mumbai-flavored rap on the exercise advice single “Kasa Kai,” that includes a hook that faucets into faculty throwbacks and his philosophy on life. With a guerrilla-style music video shot proper exterior The Park lodge in Kolkata, “Kasa Kai” is completely different from Kundu’s earlier Bengali-informed materials, however exhibits he can nonetheless chill and throw down some carefree Hindi bars. He says, “‘Kasa Kai’ is a enjoyable, nostalgic hip-hop anthem that captures the essence of school life in India—stuffed with late-night events, chai at roadside dhabas, last-minute examination stress, and unbreakable brotherhood.”
Lotus – “Share A Piece”
Contemporary off just a few exhibits on the highway with brutal dying steel band Gutslit, Pune/Bengaluru prog steel band Lotus convey again their instinctual depth, and it seems like they’re having enjoyable stepping into it. Their exercise advice single, “Share A Piece” is their first launch because the 2022 album Expensive Diary, and in addition marks their debut with vocalist Aman Virdi (from Bhayanak Maut). It’s hovering, crushing and clearly exhibits a renewed vitality from the band. They are saying in a press release, “The road ‘So excessive, thus far, from residence’ is repeated like a quiet prayer, a reminder of the areas that develop between us, even once we attempt to maintain on. It’s not nearly distance; it’s about trying to find one thing acquainted in a world that retains altering.”
Balasaheb, Kalakaar, Hamp – “Khapa Khap”
Pune-based hip-hop artist Balasaheb is unabashed about simply how straightforward songwriting involves him. So what higher method to do this than in a satirical music like “Khapa Khap”? Joined by fellow artist Kalakaar and producer Hamp, “Khapa Khap” is a gloriously irreverent Hindi and Marathi combine, with percussion that throws you proper in the course of a avenue procession combined with EDM beats. Within the music video, directed by Milan Rathod, there’s loads of debauchery and humor straight out of a neighborhood bar.
Ergo – Mammoth EP
Not many bands can say their first assortment of songs has been within the works for a decade, however that’s Bengaluru-based rock band Ergo for you. The outcome? Their journeying debut four-track EP Mammoth is a tip of the hat to bizarre, wiry prog (“Magnificent”) in addition to the Seattle Sound and experimental various music (“Anew”). Guitarist Rahul Srikrishna describes Ergo as “an intersection of up to date Western music and complex Indian rhythms.” The band provides in a press release, “At its core, the EP stands as a testomony to progress—a stable, enduring construction constructed on persistence, ardour, and an unrelenting drive to create music that issues.” With its Device-like prospers, “Observations” stands out, as does the shape-shifting, key-changing observe “Energy Soul.”
Obliterating Vortex – “Every thing Is Nothing, However Nothing Is Every thing”
Bringing an Indian aura to steel in their very own method, Bengaluru-based, Darjeeling-origin tech-death steel band Obliterating Vortex adapts the tenet of Aham Brahmasmi and lays it over pulverizing riffs and growls on “Every thing Is Nothing, However Nothing Is Every thing.” Typically writing about self-care and psychological well being (and including screeching solos whereas they’re at it), this music is the band’s method of providing help. A spoken-word portion within the music states, “Interior energy is what we’ll eke… out of our unconscious, out from our desires…Into the dimension of our actuality. To maintain us decided and to carry our ideas; That we get up tall within the face of adversity.”
Nowhere Station – Crimson Earth Reverie
5 years after their debut album, New Delhi-origin rock band Nowhere Station have launched their second album Crimson Earth Reverie. Born out of the jam room, there’s definitely a well-delivered intent to take listeners proper into the motion, the place the band’s chemistry is palpable as they every feed off the opposite’s vitality. Vocalist-guitarist Rijul Singh says, “We approached the album as a mini dwell set—a curated, meandering and at instances rewarding expertise. To re-create that very same depth, we saved post-production to absolutely the minimal.” From the melancholy of “Summer season’s Bride” to the bluesy vitality of “Darling, Received’t You Dance?” and the mellow groove of “Makes Sense,” the band additionally manages to sneak in some sudden jazz-inflected turns in “Coming After You” earlier than ending on a psychedelic word with “Play It Cool.”
Utsavi – “Maan Jao”
Harkening again to a distinct period, nostalgia is the distinguished temper for singer-songwriter Utsavi Jha on her exercise advice single “Maan Jao.” Following her extra emotional EP Khata final 12 months, this synth-pop-informed, groovy single is a breath of recent air, little doubt scented within the “love potion” that Jha vouches for within the music video by filmmakers Pencil & Frames. The artist brings dance strikes, Nineteen Seventies Bollywood vibes and colourful sarees within the video. “’Maan Jao’ is about making the primary transfer, the artwork of persuasion, and the candy pressure of want,” says Jha.
Gaurav Tophakhane – “Dooba”
Pune-bred singer-songwriter Gaurav Tophakane indicators to music duo Salim-Suleiman’s Service provider Data for his exercise advice single “Dooba.” Paired with producer Aryan Thorve, “Dooba” injects a full of life disco-funk sound to lyrics a few protagonist misplaced in love. Whereas funk is in every single place as of late in pop music, “Dooba” fortunately shakes off any formulation with a piano bridge that turns into a cool beatdown.
Hearth In The Rodeo – Hearth In The Rodeo
Kolkata exhausting rock band Fire In The Rodeo grabbed a little bit of consideration after they launched their single “Viper’s Kiss” earlier this 12 months, and now, their full-length debut album is out. The self-titled 10-track album is all the things you may count on from a band that’s impressed by Eighties glam rock, together with the likes of Def Leppard and Skid Row. The lyrics may be drenched in clichés, however Hearth In The Rodeo double down—from the roaring “Life In Chains,” the ballad-like “Cupid Have Mercy,” and extra. In the event you’re there for the arena-ready riffs, nevertheless, “You Drive Me Loopy” will scratch that itch excellent.
Cymbol, Chitralekha Sen, Markel XL – “Distractions”
New Zealand/Mumbai DJ-Producer Cymbol aka Shivnesh Sumer enlists singer Chitralekha Sen and American rapper Markel X.L. for “Distractions,” a music for the hustlers. Sen delivers a Punjabi hook and a Hindi verse about standing tall in her convictions, whereas Markel lends bars concerning the every day grind. The title observe from his album, “Distractions,” sees Cymbol deftly journey by genres with out breaking a sweat.