Fresh Indie Fridays #26

PA System – “Run & Hide”

Chennai indie rockers PA System deliver a lush and glossy performance with their latest single “Run & Hide” off their forthcoming debut album Strangers Down the Hall. The track includes sumptuous guitar parts while the drums and bass lock in for a splendid rhythmic foundation whereas vocalist Pratyush Shankar’s poignant lyrics, catchy melodies and luxuriant voice make this track quite the earworm.

Maanuni & Brainsetter – “Call My Name”

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Maanuni and producer Brainsetter join forces for an invigorating synth-bass heavy new pop song entitled “Call My Name.” The song embodies an Eighties funk influence with modern production elements from Brainsetter. Maanuni’s infectious vocals immediately captivate you as she sings. Speaking about the song, the artists said in a statement, “It’s a song that one could groove to at a club, jam and vibe to at a chill house party or romance to on a long drive.” The pair have also released a glitzy video that compliments the song to a tee.

Shal Antal – “A Hitwoman”

Mumbai-bred singer-songwriter Shal Antal gets quite dark on her latest moody single “A Hitwoman.” The track includes a booming bassline and dynamic production by Mumbai-based Aditya Surve aka Iridescent Grapevine while Antal’s vocal performance is second to none as she delivers a raspy display full of power and mystery.

Udbhav – “Aflatune”

New Delhi-based artist Udbhav’s newest offering is the pop meets hip-hop meets jazz offering entitled “Aflatune.” The song features a smooth piano chord progression as well as a syncopated groove before a brass section and slithering guitar work enter while Udbhav’s laidback and breezy vocals fill the track abundantly. According to the artist, the song is about his testament to showing people that “life is filled with ups and downs but one shouldn’t forget that life is also a celebration.” Udbhav has also released a vibrant music video to go with the song.

Medddler – Upsurge

Mumbai-based producer, guitarist and composer Angad Bhatia (from progressive metal band Festacorn and electro-synth outfit CandyFloss) recently dropped his debut six-track full-length album Upsurge under the moniker Medddler. The new record comes on the back of last year’s five-track EP Jump Alaska and includes gritty guitar parts plastered with distortion and heavy drums that bring the force to Bhatia high-octane instrumentation. To add to the mix are guitar drones, atmospheric elements as well as loops. Talking about the crushing record, Bhatia says, “The album unfolds as a myth-fantasy experience.”

Rama Ravi – “Not Bipolar”

Coming out of Hyderabad is a new singer-songwriter called Rama Ravi. Having released music since last year, Ravi is now out with her fourth single in the shape of the ukulele aided “Not Bipolar.” The song features nonchalant uke strumming as the artist’s soft and emotional vocals carry the track with her expressive lyricism.

 Jhalli – “stupid games”

Mumbai-based pop artist Aaliyah Qureishi aka Jhalli’s newest single, the groovy “stupid games,” comes wrapped in the feelings of frustration and obsession that can come with toxic love. The artist’s shiny vocals rest on a bed of airy drums and punchy bass parts as keys, horns and fresh production elements add to the track. In a statement, the artist said, “With ‘stupid games’ it was one of those songs that poured out of me. I was infatuated with someone who treated me like an option and there were so many emotions of pain and unrequited love bottled up inside me. I was so mad at myself for letting myself be treated this way, and yet part of me hoped that he would change, for me.“