New Music: Lo-fi grunge from Delhi and powerhouse pop from Mumbai

1) The Old Newz by Hoirong

(From left) Akhil Sood, Akshat Nauriyal, Samar Grewal and Kamal SinghPhoto courtesy of the artist

After releasing two stellar albums, The Resurrection of the Princess of Woe and Her Vampire Hound Posse (Released in 2013) and दण्डनीय अपराध (Released in 2014), Delhi-based lo-fi/grunge band Hoirong has released a new EP titled The Old Newz. The three-track EP was mostly recorded in vocalist Kamal Singh’s bedroom and maintains Singh’s lo-fi sound. The songs feature simple guitars lines with lyrics that resemble American punk band NOFX’s songwriting done mostly by vocalist Michael John Burkett aka Fat Mike.

2) “Storm” by Sidd Coutto and Siddharth Basrur

Sidd Coutto and Siddharth Basrur.

Mumbai-based vocalists Sidd Coutto and Siddharth Basrur started writing music together three years ago and the duo has finally released an electro-rock composition named “Storm.” The song starts with a staccato beat and somber strings, leading ino harmonized vocals by both singers. The song builds up with a powerful guitar riff, a quirky use of the bhangra beat and moving lyrics by Basrur, and sounds like a track from Brit rock band Radiohead’s 2011 album, King of Limbs.

3) “Oh Caesar” by Jeepers Creepers

Jeepers Creepers: Souvik Bhattacharya, Monarch Bannerjee and Ananda Mitra. Photo: Courtesy of the band

Kolkata-based math rock band Jeepers Creepers’s new track “Oh Caesar” is a treat for those who love the bass guitar. Souvik Bhattacharya has crafted a soulful bass line for this track, which includes clean vocals and guitar lines. The track climaxes with an intense funk jam that may just be a hit on stage.

4) “Brick Wall” by Rohan Solomon

Rohan Solomon. Photo: Ankit Jain/Courtesy of the artist.

Delhi alt rock band Cyanide’s vocalist Rohan Solomon has released his second solo album titled Moving On. The album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, USA and talks about the love and life experiences of the singer-songwriter. The singer has released a video for the second single from the album, called “Brick Wall,” which features smooth vocals, acoustic guitar riffs and chords that recall British rock band, Dire Straits.