New Music: Nangsan’s Atmospheric Metal, Break-Free Pop from Saptak Chatterjee, All OK’s Kannada Rap and More

“Hollow” by Nangsan

A few years on of going solo, Nangsan Lyngwa – frontman of erstwhile death metal band Plague Throat – has proved in versatility as a composer in many ways. The latest addition to that is “Hollow,” a poignantly pained atmospheric, prog-death metal-informed song that’s mired in anguish. At nearly seven minutes, Nangsan traverses post-metal as well, plowing into riffs, his deep growls and a piercing solo to top it off.

“Ninna Suttaya” by Praveen Alva

While there are plenty of complicated love stories to be sung about, Tulu artist Praveen Alva’s song “Ninna Suttaya” is centered around the kind of love that’s wholesome in many ways. Translated to “around you,” Alva’s earthen voice invokes nature and seasons to speak to his beloved, with the production bringing in saxophone and acoustic guitar. The music video, directed by Luke Sydney, gives us an unfiltered view of two lovers and their memories.

“A Feeling So Pure” by Abhinav Varma

Bengaluru-based guitarist and composer Abhinav Varma digs into he power of fingerstyle, percussive guitars and flamenco on his energetic song “A Feeling So Pure.” With metal origins likely shaping his sense of groove and melody, the song is taken from his debut album Sum Of All Energies. The 10-song record not only features flamenco and classical guitar-influenced action, but also his take on metal classics like Megadeth’s “Symphony of Destruction” and Iron Maiden’s “Blood Brothers.”

“Udd Re” by Saptak Chatterjee

New Delhi singer-songwriter and producer Saptak Chatterjee continues his strong run with singles following the release of his 2022 album Aaina. In his typically charming and sublime Indian classical vocal-informed style, Chatterjee sings about overcoming tough times over synth-pop flourishes. It’s an apt sonic style to pick up on, considering the artist is singing about breaking out into better days.

“Don’t Worry 2” by All OK

Still atop the trending music charts on YouTube, Kannada hip-hop and pop artist All OK sticks to his “good vibes only” style on his latest song “Don’t Worry 2.” In some ways a reply to haters and doubters but also steeped in life lessons and advice, All OK fights hate with love and puts out good intentions and wishes for everyone in the sequel to his song from 2019.

“Guroor” by Madara ft Second Sight, Corridors

Hip-hop artist Madara sure walks a long way from his politically-leaning songs to craft a soul-rap song with the duo Second Sight and producer Corridors on “Guroor.” Addressing the curses and betrayals in love, Madara heart-baring rap bounces off Anusha Ramasubramoney’s English hook and Corridors’ shimmering production. From groovy jazz-funk to Ramasubramoney’s unmistakable neo-soul presence, “Guroor” flitters across genres to become a refreshing track in the Indian hip-hop space.

“Malx” by Alboe ft Shrii

Electronic music producer Alboe strikes a deft balance between dancefloor-ready rhythms and soulful Indian classical vocals from Shrii on his latest song “Malx.” With the vocals based on raag Malkauns, Shrii reminisces about missing a friend and the music video directed by Sandeep Chhabra and featuring dancer-actor Kartika Singh offers a soul-searching view.

“Behold” by Bhars

Chennai artist Bhars aka Bharathi Harikumar’s new song “Behold” offers metaphors in a dynamic way, elevated in interpretation with an animated music video made by Adhithi Harikumar. In the electronic pop-rock song, Bhars compares the ocean to life’s journey, of ebb and flow and turbulence that set things swirling, marveling at the sights to behold.