Fresh Indie Fridays #104 Featuring The Lightyears Explode, Gouri and Aksha and More

The Lightyears Explode – “Big Big Love”

Mumbai pop/punk band The Lightyears Explode are out with their fourth single in the shape of the sparkling “Big Big Love” off their forthcoming full-length sophomore eight-track album Suburban Prose. The track includes crunchy guitars, thumping bass and drums as well as quirky production embellishments. In a statement, the band said, “The song deals with a person unhappy in their relationship, but too afraid to break it off in a mature manner befitting an adult, instead they resort to trying to convince their partner to do it for them with a series of manipulations and excuses.”

Saachi – “Doom’s My Religion” (feat. Ayan De)

Mumbai singer-songwriter Saachi collaborates with her longtime producer Ayan De on the wistful “Doom’s My Religion.” The song features slick guitars, an airy groove, plenty of harmonies as well as Saachi’s impeccable vocals. In a statement, Saachi said, “The song aimed to paint what destruction feels like, something you want to disinfect and run from.”

Gouri and Aksha – “Take Me Back”

Mumbai soul/pop singer-songwriter duo Gouri and Aksha deliver quite the earworm with their latest offering, the delightful “Take Me Back.” The pair offer catchy melodies, brilliant soundscapes, dynamics as well as soothing vocals. In a statement, the pair said, “’Take Me Back’ is a heartfelt homage to the core memories that shape our lives – pivotal moments, places, and people that influence our values and priorities.”

Jive Can – Made Of Clay

New Delhi blues rockers Jive Can are one of the few bands in the country perfecting the blues. Although their EP Made of Clay was released this past June, there’s plenty to sing about as the record is marvelously produced and engineered and features some fiery guitars, keyboards, drums, bass and vocal parts across four tracks. In a statement, the band said, “[We’ve] tried to capture the energy of indie bands that were coming out of their own garages in 1970s America.”

Ashweta – “Closer”

Goa-based singer-songwriter Ashweta recently released her poignant new acoustic-leaning song “Closer.” The artist’s immaculate vocals stand out throughout the song as it rests beautifully on a bed of lush production. The track is also accompanied by a cutesy music video. In a statement, the artist said, “’Closer’ delves into the idea of embracing love for someone wholeheartedly, even in the face of their imperfections and flaws. It explores the desire for both emotional and physical closeness to someone special.”