New releases: Alt-rock from Mumbai and video from Kolkata

“Golden” by Awkward Bong

Mumbai-based composer Ronit Sarkar describes his project Awkward Bong as a pop band with alt-rock leanings. His catchy debut “Golden,” comes fresh out of the home recording setup of vocalist-turned-producer Rishi Bradoo [from alt punk band BLEK], complete with stop-go hooks and a neat little guitar solo. Mumbai-based Awkward Bong, which started out as Sarkar’s solo project in 2014, has grown into a complete four-piece pop band comprising brothers Yohann and Daniel Coutinho [from alt rock band Unohu] and BLEK drummer Linford D’Souza.

The full EP is available for free download here

“The Young and the Flying Machine” by The Dirty Strikes

The Dirty Strikes from Imphal is a four piece electro post-punk act that was formed in 2010. The band has played various local music festivals and college fests, garnering a steady following since they released their self-titled EP in 2011. “The Young and the Flying Machine” is the band’s most recent release, written after they lost their guitarist Bom Leimapokpam in January 2014.

 

“Dollar $cience” by PINKNOISE

Kolkata-based experimental rock band PINKNOISE, comprising drummer Jivraj Singh, vocalist Jayashree Singh and guitarist Amyt Dutta released their new album Dance of the Diaspora in October 2014, which has been in the works since 2011. The album puts forth an inimitable sound that jumps the walls between genres like nu-jazz, classic rock and hip-hop. Earlier this month, the band premiered their brilliant lyric video “Dollar $cience,” which we think is meant to be as shocking as mind expanding.

PINKNOISE – dollar $cience lyric video from PINKNOISE on Vimeo.

 

“The Climb” by Shantanu Pandit

Delhi-based singer/songwriter Shantanu Pandit’s music is quiet and introspective, led by just a guitar and his voice. Pandit released his debut EP, Skunk in the Cellar, in June 2014 and has been gaining popularity ever since. He recently released a video for the song “The Climb,” the soft, soulful track that’s perfect for a rainy day.

 

“Canopy” by Ratify ft. feat. Rajan Chelliah

Electro rock group Ratify ”“ founded by bassist Sajith Satya from alt rockers Junkyard Groove and funk band Franks Got the Funk ”“ released their debut single “Canopy” from an upcoming album and we have to say, this one seems promising. The Chennai band collaborated with singer Rajan Chelliah for their first single, who apart from guesting on vocals, also co-wrote the song. The result is an infectiously upbeat track with groovy basslines.