New Music: Long Distances Go Goth, Slick Electronic Pop from Aneesha, Metal from Kochi’s Abided Crage and More

“Delicate Surrender” by Long Distances

Mumbai act Long Distances diversify their sound even further on their third single “Delicate Surrender.” Drawing from post-punk, goth and new wave and joined by bassist George Joseph and drummer Jai Row Kavi, the wavy guitars instantly pay homage to the likes of The Cure, with low vocals that sound like it’s straight out of a soundtrack to a late-night, rainy drive.

“Jiuna Deu” by Raman Lama

Darjeeling singer-songwriter Raman Lama is prepping to release his second album Madira, and the first glimpse of it arrived in September with the release of the emotive, pleading song “Jiuna Deu.” Lama’s earthy, unfiltered voice soars even with the simplest of rock flourishes and the driving grooves of “Jiuna Deu” confirm just that. His next single, “Chiso Chiso” is expected with another music video, along with the full album release this year.  

“Khwahishein” by Maryom Lollen

With the release of songs like “Bolo Na” and its heartfelt music video earlier this year, Arunachal singer-songwriter Maryom Lollen offers another spirited song of hope and aspirations with “Khwahishein,” produced by Takar Nabam and mixed by Haggai Rongmei. Featuring lyrics written by Bhajum Lollen and a music video starring Lingdum Tanang directed by Lukter Lombi, “Khwahishein” hits home where it matters – putting in the work when you believe in your dreams. Even if that means taping your bust-up guitar together and rocking out in your room.

“Omanaththingal” by Kalyani Nair and The Indian Choral Ensemble

Chennai singer-composer Kalyani Nair and her Indian Choral Ensemble give a modern, cinematic rendition of a traditional Malayalam poem penned by Irayimman Thampi, on “Omanaththingal.” The gentle lullaby has Nair on lead vocals, with an evocative sense given by The Indian Choral Ensemble (which she conducts), alongside string sections, guitar, bass and drums. The song features the Budapest Scoring Orchestra conducted by Zoltan Pad, who are also seen in the music video that adds a dimension with choreography.

“Rehgayi” by Amy Mamtura

Mumbai-born, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Amy Mamtura’s new Hindi song “Rehgayi” has a Chennai connection with contributions from singer-songwriters Kevin Fernando and Ashwin Vinayagamoorthy, and for the most part, there’s a heartwarming Hindi romance that unfolds through guitars and violin. Mamtura’s vocals traverse from playful to confident to contented, something that reflects the sound of “Rehgayi” just right.

“Endless Night” by Abided Crage

Kochi metallers Abided Crage team up with filmmaker John Abraham JK to tell a tale of love lost and the depths of self-destruction on “Endless Night.” Centered around the story of a couple and how the male protagonist loses his grip on life, Abided Crage fuel the flames with proggy riffs, high-pitched vocals and build the intensity just as you would expect them to.

“Remain A Memory” by Fallen Letters

Bengaluru-based alt-rock/metal act Fallen Letters – comprising Vishal Naidu and Aditya Ramesh – hark back to a not-too-long-ago idea of early 2000s rock on their new song “Remain A Memory.” Part of their upcoming EP Forlorn Pages, there’s a bit of Alter Bridge in their way with plaintive guitar melodies, but also chugged riffs and a solo that lends itself to being an amalgam of different decades of heavy music. The song features drummer Mike Langford (who’s been part of Canadian rock band Evans Blue), who has also mixed and mastered the song.

“Vertigo” by Janaki Easwar ft Varkey and Friends

Indo-Australian singer-songwriter Janaki Easwar teams up with Varkey and Friends for a breathy, atmospheric pop rendition of her new song “Vertigo,” released as part of the song series Kappa Originals. Addressing confusion and loneliness in matters of the heart, Easwar’s haunting yet sublime vocals lead a troubled but reflective song.

“Life” by Aneesha

New Delhi/Goa artist Aneesha has been writing and releasing music that’s seemingly at the intersection of electronic, pop and filmi elements. “Life” plays with precisely those sonic palettes, with Aneesha’s vocals turning urgent and carefree at different points, over dancefloor-ready beats and a progression that seems to defy easy categorization.