New Music: Nostalgic Pop from Takar Nabam, Chill-Hop from Meba Ofilia, Psychedelia by Abhinav Saxena and More

“Feelings” by Meba Ofilia

Although Shillong singer-songwriter and rapper Meba Ofilia spent a bit of time in the quiet, she broke the silence with the announcement of her debut album untitled.SHG. With an assist from producer adL aka Adiel Massar, she introduces listeners to this new universe with “Feelings,” an openhearted way to address where she’s at philosophically and even perhaps spiritually. Cascading beats and smooth guitar melodies make for a bedroom pop-meets-hip-hop vibe, complete with a music video showcasing Meba Ofilia going from being in her room to deftly dancing on a hill.

“Those Colourful Days” by Takar Nabam

Trust Arunachal singer-songwriter Takar Nabam to take a somber song about tragedy and concern and arrange happy, dreamy grooves over it. His latest single “Those Colourful Days” sees him morose about the state of New Delhi during the pandemic, but he still turns the mood around to one of nostalgia, thinking back to a time the city evoked warmer hues for him. Nabam’s breathy croon and intricate guitar work make “Those Colourful Days” an intriguing kind of juxtaposition.

“Minar” by North Axis Project

Ahmedabad-bred percussionist-producer Siddharth Bhayani’s North Axis Project takes a trip to Turkey for the latest release “Minar.” There’s an enchanting kind of cadence and electronic song structure to the song, which features a little bit of tabla but primarily employs oud and darbuka.

“Manasara” by Manisha Eerabathini

Hyderabad/Los Angeles singer-composer Manisha Eerabathini may be known for her work in film soundtracks in Telugu, but she comes into her own on the song “Manasara.” Unhurried and calming, the Carnatic music-informed track sees the artist sing in Telugu (with lyrics written by Kittu Vissapragada) and English, laying it over ukulele and violin with a lo-fi shine added to it by producer Robbie Rosen.

“Bird Talk” by Heisengarg

The cult tales of Breaking Bad and its main protagonist Heisenberg are still going strong even after a decade after the American T.V. show drew to a close. How else do you explain a rapper named Madhav Garg from Yamunanagar, Haryana taking on the nickname Heisengarg? His latest “Bird Talk” is an ambitious and earnest attempt at living up to a menacing moniker, powered by producer Culture Beats’ skittering 808s.

“Call Me” by Youngg Natee

The latest from Shillong label MOX is city rapper and singer-songwriter Young Natee taking a shot at being a lot more sensual and melodic in his intent. On “Call Me,” the 19-year-old traverses hip-hop and R&B terrain with confidence, arriving at a playful hook that’s got great earworm potential.

“Goodbye” by Mr GnG

It’s hard to believe that rock duo Mr GnG’s debut single “Goodbye” is just three minutes in running time, considering it reaches into that cinematic, roaring prog rock and metal space with multiple movements all packed together. Featuring vocalist-guitarist Ishan Dave and drummer/keyboardist Abhilash Sreekumar, “Goodbye” packs a serious punch, reminiscent of acts like Norway’s Leprous. Mr GnG even have a gruesome, action-filled music video to go with it, all of which prefaces their upcoming five-track debut EP called EPonymous, which will roll out with more music videos, photoshoots and acoustic renditions.

“Aadhe Adhoore” by Gaurav Tophakhane

Pune singer-songwriter Gaurav Tophakhane takes the smokey, lo-fi route with his latest single “Aadhe Adhoore.” It’s the first of three singles in the pipeline and an EP set for December, all of which means the vocalist of rock band Skylight Vision is running at a prolific pace. On “Aadhe Adhoore” he rides the lo-fi waves of slinky beats to sing about longing and the void that’s left behind by being away from the one he loves.

“Arizona” by Mocaine

Released exactly a year after the album The Birth of Billy Munro, Delhi NCR artist Mocaine continues to unravel the narrative universe with his latest song “Arizona.” It’s got founder and vocalist-composer Amrit Mohan’s inimitably grainy vocal texture and it’s immediately apparent in tone and melody and he picks up right where the album’s final track “The Bend” left off. It’s a thumping rock song, told from the perspective of Mocaine’s protagonist Jonah Stone, who is wrongfully convicted of murder, and then set free two decades later.

Other Side of Light EP by Abhinav Saxena

It’s been two years since the release of guitarist Abhinav Saxena’s debut solo record Look Up and Smile and there’s a stylistic shift of sorts with his latest EP Other Side of Light. While the first album had lush, quietened acoustic guitars, Saxena trades it in for Grateful Dead-esque jams for a starry night that may or may not be enhanced by psychoactive stuff. At 23 minutes, there are mind-melting twists and turns (“Starry Lullaby”) which incorporate electronic music, experimental music (“Sea Creatures”), chill guitar elements (“Smoove Growth”) and jazz (“Bombay”).