New Releases: Electro fusion from Mumbai, prog rock from London and more

By Anurag Tagat and Nabeela Shaikh

“Alibi” by OPENSIGHT

Opensight – (from left) Redd Reddington, Danni Stanner, Ivan David Amaya and Genia Penksik. Photo: Magda Wrzeszcz

For a band that’s been around since 2002, London-based prog metallers Opensight originally came together when Colombian vocalist-guitarist Ivan David Amaya moved to the UK in the mid-2000s and started out with heavy metal-leaning, cinematic prog, influenced by the likes of prog/alt metal band Cynic and prog metallers Devin Townsend. One full-length [2008’s Prosthetic Soul] and one EP [2010’s The Voice of Nothing] later, Opensight are carrying on that signature style of prog with their new EP Ulterior Motives, which releases in September. Exclusively stream the opening track “Alibi,” which is quirky, jazzy and even has a Spy-themed bridge section.

“Appetence” by The Minerva Conduct

The Minerva Conduct – Nishith Hegde, Ashwin Shriyan and Prateek Rajagopal (from left). Photos: Prashin Jagger

In their third single within a year of coming together, the Mumbai instrumental band have finally found a permanent drummer in Yadhunandan Nagaraj [who previously performed with the likes of comedy rock band Live Banned and electro rock band The Burning Deck]. While Nagaraj joined the band for their set at crowdfunded gig series Control Alt Delete in June, he also makes his presence felt with clockwork live drumming on “Appetence,” featuring some double-chug riffs from Prateek Rajagopal and Nishith Hegde. Produced by bassist Ashwin Shriyan, “Appetence” maintains the trademark chaotic sound of The Minerva Conduct, with groovier, faster sections than their previous singles “End Creation” and “Unearth.”

“Scent of the Sea” by Vernon Noronha

Singer/songwriter Vernon Noronha. Photo: Ron Bezbaruah

Although originally composed for a car advertisement last year, Vernon Noronha recently released this track independently this week. Noronha recently recorded the song, changing it from what he describes as “something composed looking at a ”˜fancy car stealomatic’, now turned into a ”˜riding-a-scooter-in-Goa’” feel. The result is a stripped-down acoustic track with quaint harmonica fills, while Noronha reminisces about his hometown with lyrics like, “The wind in my face, we only stop for beer and prawns/As the city disappears, I get the scent of sea.”

 

“Envelopes” by Oceantied

Ketan Bahirat a.k.a Oceantied. Photo credit Abhishek Shukla

When he’s not thinking up a new track for post rock band Until We Last, Bengaluru producer and guitarist Ketan Bahirat channels his electronic music influences under the moniker Oceantied. Bahirat started creating and uploading music that’s light-headed and danceable, drawing from a sub genre called footwork, which is all about uptempo beats. Oceantied takes a new turn with his latest track “Envelopes,” best enjoyed while sky gazing. While there’s no word on new Until We Last material, Bahirat is working on an Oceantied EP set for release sometime this year.

“Moore Nain” by Samved

Electro fusion band Samved. Photo: Pavitr Saith.

Although this five-member Mumbai-based band derives their name from the one of the Vedas comprising hymns and verses, their music goes far beyond their traditional roots as they are constantly experimenting with electronica. The electro fusion band shot to fame when they won Best Fusion Artist of the Year for the Radio City Music Awards 2014 for their debut album, and have since then received critical acclaim for Rlung Ta. Slightly longer compared to their previous material, their latest single “Moore Nain” effortlessly combines the sitar with synth for a languorous track with lyrics in Hindi and English.

Listen to “Moore Nain” on iTunes here