Fresh Indie Fridays #91 Featuring Aarya, Carlton and the Saints, Festacorn and More

Aarya – “One Night”

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Aarya explores fresh sonic territory with his new R&B-laced soulful song “One Night.” The track revolves around the theme of a one-night stand and includes sensual vocals, intoxicating production as well as slick backing vocals and harmonies. In a statement, the artist said, “This track is an upbeat anthem and sonically is one of my more fierce and vocally driven tracks.”

Loozmathai, Risa Patrick – “Hiraeth”

Kochi-based singer-songwriter Akhil Mathew aka Loozmathai collaborates with vocalist Risa Patrick on his brand new soft rock ballad entitled “Hiraeth.” The track includes bluesy elements, gospel organs, hints of soul music as well as Loozmathai and Patrick’s enchanting vocals. In a statement, Loozmathai said, “’Hiraeth’ was written as an ode to all my friendships and the value and comfort of finding home in them. The lyrics bring out an intense sense of compassion while the mood of the song, to me, helps create an almost holy or spiritual feeling.”

Carlton and the Saints – “Ballerina”

Mumbai jam band Carlton and the Saints’ latest single comes in the shape of the folksy acoustic ditty called “Ballerina.” The track includes plucked acoustic guitar parts, shakers, hauntingly beautiful strings as well as comforting vocals. In a statement, the band’s frontman Carlton Vaz said, “The song was written and composed one evening during lockdown – post spending 10 days in the hospital with Delta COVID – after watching a World War II movie on Netflix, which had the protagonist falling in love with a ballerina in a war-torn Poland. They would however be separated due to the war.”

Many Things – First Things First

Chennai avant-garde instrumental jazz trio Many Things – comprising saxophonist Maarten Visser, bassist, Aravind Murali and drummer Manukrishnan – have just released their six-track debut album First Things First. The record houses various music styles such as jazz, rock, classical music and funk. The band showcases their dexterity quite exceptionally with slick improvisations, solos and dynamics. In a statement, the band said, “The tunes are an invitation for listeners to join in an exploration of sound through composition.”

Festacorn – Cafe Slap City Central

Mumbai-based progressive metal band Festacorn recently released their eight-track debut album Cafe Slap City Central. The record covers sonic terrains such as djent, doom and alternative metal while lyrically the group explores themes such as the depths of the human condition. In a statement, the band said, “Packaged neatly behind appetizing dish names, Cafe Slap City Central is a deep dive into the abyss of the human psyche, where our darkest fears lurk. The album presents a menu that explores different aspects of how we experience fear.