Listen: Mumbai Rock Band The Rapid’s Debut EP ‘Stormy Weather’

What better way to introduce yourself as an artist to the world than by putting out a playthrough video of one of your stronger songs. That’s exactly what Mumbai alt rock band The Rapid did in late 2016 with their vibrant track “Strings and Stars.” The video ”“ which amassed over 12,000 views (not exactly bad by indie standards) ”“ helped the band get noticed and snag club gigs around the city. Now the young group has a fresh new record — their debut five-track EP, Stormy Weather.

The band, comprising vocalist-guitarist Sarthak Swami, guitarist Siddhanth Natarajan, bassist Hansel Dias and drummer David D’souza ”“ who came together in 2015 ”“ decided to work on an EP in October last year after receiving encouraging feedback at live shows. “Every gig we’ve done has helped us grow and move forward with our music,” says Swami. The frontman states that the group was holding back on the EP till they had the perfect blend of songs. He says, “We decided to pick the ones that best showcase our versatility.”

Lovers of Nineties rock (even Eighties, for that matter) would dig Stormy Weather, which opens with the sprightly “Strings and Stars,” and moves to a nostalgia-filled rock ballad “First Time” (did we hear Guns N’ Roses in there, somewhere?). The title track is a soulful U2-style number while “Far Past the Seas” and “Tokin Smokin” are straight-up rock&roll bangers.

The Rapid recorded, mixed and mastered the EP at Mumbai’s Arbitrandom Studios with the help of sound engineer Tejas Narayan.

The band say they are in no hurry to work on music videos and instead want their songs to work their magic first. No tour plans either but Swami adds they would jump at it if the opportunity arises. He says, “We’re going to keep working on our music and find new ways to create something beautiful.”

Click here to listen to ”˜Stormy Weather.’