New Indie Music of the Week: Fusion Act Jatayu, Funk-Rockers Gingerfeet, Singer-Songwriter Ruhee Ahamed and More

“No Visa Needed” by Jatayu and Taku Yabuki

Chennai jazz-fusion act Jatayu, who have spent some time performing abroad last year in South East Asia and Japan, team up with pianist Taku Yabuki for the playful “No Visa Needed.” Together, they match Carnatic guitar melodies, jazz rhythms and Yabuki’s illuminated piano playing to create a punchy, cinematic new track.

Uratoh by Hotaru

Working with the likes of producer-guitarist Subu Nomo and drummer Teji Toko, Karbi Anglong rock duo Hotaru have released their debut album Uratoh. It brings together 10 tracks and about half an hour of math-rock goodness, from bursts of guitar riffs and wiry melodies, leading into serpentine rhythmic phrasing.

“And Spaces” by Nick Tombing

Taken from his upcoming album Observed Phenomenon which releases on February 16th, guitarist and producer Nick Tombing scales new heights of modern metal with his single “And Spaces.” Like the title suggests, it suitably draws from the spacey side of ambient music but also breaks out into memorable guitar melodies reminiscent of prog metal.

Voices EP by Novacane 

One of the first things we hear in hip-hop artist Novacane’s intro to his EP Voices are the voices of self-doubt. Soon enough, he overpowers the apprehensions to get things off his chest, dabbling in boom bap and lo-fi styles across eight tracks. “Freestyle Sessions” remains a highlight for the lengthy commitment to rhymes across four minutes, while “Andhera” offers up a menacing atmosphere.

 “Ghost Maker” by SkyPunch

Bengaluru-based metal project SkyPunch – now a one-person act led by Isaac James – notches up even more stereotype-defying djent on the new song “Ghost Maker.” Cathartic in many ways, “Ghost Maker” makes its way through clean vocals as well growls, all with digitized, glitchy production flourishes that add to the chaos.

“Brand New Day” by Gingerfeet

Kolkata-origin funk rock band Gingerfeet start the year on just the right note with their latest song “Brand New Day.” It’s equal parts inspiring as it is about a reckoning, with singer Abhishek Lemo Gurung offering up raspy, shouty and soaring vocals with whirlwind force. Although not so much funk as it is modern rock, Gingerfeet keep things soulful and sublime on “Brand New Day.”

“Feelings” by Vamsi Kalakuntla

There are lo-fi pop vibes on Dallas/Hyderabad artist Vamsi Kalakuntla’s new song “Feelings.” The Telugu song conjures the idea of the artist as a charming and confident lover-boy, even as he addresses a former flame and sings about the darkness in his world in their absence. The singer-producer is making big strides with Telugu music that appeals to both Indian and American audiences right now, with “Feelings” racking up 5 million views on YouTube since it’s release in January.

“Touch The Sun” by Ruhee Ahamed

Bengaluru singer-songwriter Ruhee Ahamed dares to “Touch The Sun” on what has all the makings of a classic pop jam. She sings about being given the freedom to choose and face what comes next, with the hope that it helps one realize their endless potential. A commentary on a few aspects of society that hold individuals back, Ahamed soars and climbs back down into icy low pop phrases on the late-night pop tune.

“Azu Ago No” by Lakpa Thungon

Arunachal singer-songwriter Lakpa Thungon has a cheery disposition on “Azu Ago No,” the second release off his upcoming record Dream Journal. His warm voice drives the acoustic track, which has a few electronic elements that make it one you can groove along to, even if you may not necessarily understand the language.