New Music: Bengaluru Post-Hardcore, New Delhi Hip-Hop, Malayalam Pop-Rock and More
Check out the latest from Mumbai artist Rapture, young electronic producers like RVPTR and Someone Else, plus Mumbai singer-songwriter Nidhi Wagle
(Clockwise from top left) Iram, Gayathri Raman, Rapture, Nidhi Wagle, Doctor Lincoln and Shivam Lohia. Photos: Courtesy of the artist
“Aasman” by Rapture
On a hiatus since 2019, Mumbai hip-hop artist Rapture aka Sameer Inamdar returns with an imposing yet shape-shifting new Hindi song called “Aasmaan.” He’s equal parts morose and resigned in his acceptance of situations, employing a morphed, hard hitting vocal style that goes over wistful production.
“Gudgudi” by Gayathri Raman feat. Pavithra Viswabarathy
Friends and singers Gayathri Raman and Pavithra Viswabarathy team up for a mellifluous debut outing with their Hindi track “Gudgudi.” Featuring production from Siddhant Mishra, the vocalists capture the innocence and excitement of love, overcoming any cliches to keep things heartfelt and honest.
“Meghangal” by Doctor Lincoln feat. K.S. Chithra, Sukesh Kattan
Kerala-based pop-rock artist Doctor Lincoln aka Lincoln Joseph Samuel brings in an important pair of collaborators for “Meghangal,” the first single off his upcoming sophomore album Will See You Now. Not only does the singer-songwriter raise awareness for autism by enlisting singer Suresh Kuttan, but also creates a space for the prolific and feted playback singer K.S. Chithra to weave her magic on the Malayalam song about inclusivity and hope.
“Man-made Crisis” by Ksetravid
Among the newer metal groups who have sprung up in the span of the pandemic, Bengaluru group Ksetravid brings together guitarist Pritam Middey (from tech-death metallers Evil Conscience), vocalist Siddhant Sarkar (from erstwhile metallers Quarantine), bassist Arunav Bhattacharjee and guitarist Sayan Palit for a brutal, unhinged debut offering. “Man-made Crisis” shows off influences of modern prog-leaning metal as well as technical death metal, as it journeys through chugged riffs and dissonance. Stay tuned for the band’s five-track EP, set to release between 2021 and 2022.
“Her” by Shivam Lohia feat. John Oinam and Kartik Ahuja
New Delhi percussive guitarist and singer-songwriter Shivam Lohia calls on vocalist John Oinam and producer Kartik Ahuja for an melancholy story about love lost and the bittersweet feelings that follow. While Lohia’s intricate guitar work is at the center of the track, Oinam’s vocals give it an R&B/pop quality. There’s also a music video for “Her,” which affectionately touches upon a love story.
“CheatKode” by TNTBeatz x Mazdoor feat. The Siege
It might have left public consciousness and news cycles a few months ago, but New Delhi artists TNTBeatz and Mazdoor plot out a befitting remembrance to battle rap frontrunner and hip-hop act MC Kode, who had gone missing following widespread internet hate over his rhymes in an old video. TNTBeatz and Mazdoor are joined by a closing verse by Mumbai rapper The Siege in Hindi, with all three artists covering ground on the upheavals of hip-hop artists and how the community was taken aback when MC Kode was targeted.
“Aab” by Iram
On the second single released this year, Bengaluru Urdu band Iram strip it all back for a quiet, earthen sound on “Aab.” Featuring sounds of birds, the wind and thunder, the song is sparse yet bolstering in vocalist-guitarist Neil Simon Abel’s lyrics about taking control of one’s circumstances in the face of adversity. Guitarist Eric Gerald provides tender and unhurried acoustic guitar portions, making “Aab” a tranquil listen.
“Pretend” by Heiwa
Self-described as a post-hardcore and math-rock band, Bengaluru quintet Heiwa show off a twinkly, emo and prog-informed sound with their debut single “Pretend.” Guitarists Rohil Balthazar and Adhithya Ravishankar, bassist Ralph Rajamathi and vocalist Ashish Joseph build up from clean yet flittering patterns to growingly emphatic rhythmic work, especially with drummer Bharath Ramamohan firing off as the song scales up from something seemingly inspired by bands like American Football to an uneasy turbulence, before calming back down again.
“Snakes” by RVPTR, Godmode and Hysaze
Indian producers Hysaze aka Harshit Singh and RVPTR aka Arijit Singh call on Dutch rapper Godmode as they go hard on their latest single “Snakes.” Released via Los Angeles-headquartered label Enforce Records, there’s a blend of cinematic electronic, futuristic trap and bass music set to Godmode’s indefatigably loud and aggro rap.
“Blinded” by Nidhi Wagle
On her first single this year and the fourth release ever since she began putting out music in 2020, Mumbai singer-songwriter Nidhi Wagle delves on toxicity of a past relationship. Aided by producer Dev Modi, “Blinded” is one part pop ballad and one part modern lo-fi, with a striking guitar solo to take the song up a notch.
“Don’t Go Away” by NMST, Jumper Keellu and Someone Else
Leaping from one style to another, Chennai producer Someone Else aka Jessenth Ebenezer teams up with Rwanda-bred artist Jumper Keellu and Italian producer NMST on “Don’t Go Away.” Although there’s a familiar call and response of a drop, the artists lean on emo hip-hop a la Machine Gun Kelly as well as screaming rock harmonics and trap/EDM elements on the banger.
