#ReviewRundown: April 2023

Universe In A Crayon – Somewhere In Between EP

★★★½

Kolkata instrumental rock band Universe In A Crayon have added a few achievements to their list so far as an indie act – they’ve played alongside metal duo Jason Richardson and Luke Holland and already released their debut EP Somewhere In Between in February. The founder duo of guitarists Soumyadeep Deb and Suraj Saha clearly breathe in a lot of refreshing sounds to the guitar-oriented post-rock space in India. With third guitarist Anurup Guha Thakurta, drummer Rohan Chakraborty and keyboardist/synth artist Prasenjit Ray, they go several steps further on the four-track EP. Atmospheric post-rock passages are disrupted by threatening djent riffs and elsewhere, the vibrant melodies reminiscent of Plini or Intervals go over grandiose arrangements. With guitarist-producer Bishwadeep Sikder, the band’s ultimate track “Drive” seems to draw from bands like Skyharbor but keep listeners guessing.

Various Artists – The Reincarnation Of The Princess of Woe and Her Vampire Hound Posse

★★★★

About four years in the works, it’s only apt that Manipur/Bengaluru-based act Hoirong aka Kamal Singh releases a special reworked covers version of his debut album The Resurrection Of The Princess Of Woe And Her Vampire Hound Posse as it completes 10 years. This Reincarnation album brings in present alternative, post-hardcore and envelope-pushing artists to make their own versions of songs from the 2013 album. The result is delightful every step of the way, from hardcore and screamo-informed bands like Pacifist and False Flag offering entirely different versions of “Bajrang Bali” and “Cyborg Supernova Lipgloss,” respectively. Siddharth Basrur’s Runt knocks it out of the park with “XOX,” as does February 31st on “Fancy Dress + Hindi = Awesome,” which is the most hi-fi that noisy lo-fi songs can arguably become. Elsewhere, The Jass B’stards and Disco Puppet put their own eccentric spin to “Glass Jaw” and “Russian Roulette Gandhi.” Mr. India (fka Digital Suicide) brings irreverent energy to “Bonda” and Manipuri artist Nitin Shamurailatpam’s own daughter Audrey tries her hand at “Super Cute.” His band Lo! Peninsula follows with a more somber, shoegazing version, on “Super Glue.” Hoirong’s noise-rock legacy lives and clearly, so does the admiration.

TRIV – Xonngram

★★★½

Four albums into the game, Assamese producer TRIV aka Trivarg Arandhara constructs topsy-turvy bass music like a veteran on his latest album Xonngram. Influenced by dubstep, rock and metal, there are 14 tracks packed with the build-up and drop trajectory (“Herua Axaah,” “Ontohin Prerona”), featuring Assamese singers. Conceptually, there’s a coming-of-age story unfolding over Linkin Park and Baby Metal-esque grandiosity, best heard on songs like “Andhaar” and “Bijoy” and cinematic bass music glitching on “Ronohunkaar.” Power ballads are clearly in TRIV’s musical sensibilities and he supplies those on “Joi Aai Axom” and “Haabiaxh.” Xonngram packs in a lot, so it’s best if you’re strapped in and ready for the riffs and drops.

Aditya – Damage Control EP

★★★

Kolkata singer-songwriter Aditya Majumdar draws from artists like John Mayer, but also Joni Mitchell, among others on his debut EP Damage Control. Low, wistful vocals and a soulful combo of acoustic and electric guitar melodies place the four-track EP squarely in the pop, blues and singer-songwriter space. Songs like “Weakest” (featuring singer-songwriter Ivalan) and “My Mistake” (a six-minute trip) unfold like they’re aiming for magic, while “Blindfolded” is more folk-indie. The title track sees Majumdar take a crack at dramatic rock, screaming guitar solos and all, wrapping up an impressive debut record.

Secret Cinema, Shaun Moses – Neon Nebula EP

★★★½

Stream here.

Having released Goa-based techno producer/DJ Shaun Moses’ EP Lustful Desires in 2021, Dutch label Gem Records – and by extension, its founder and techno veteran Secret Cinema – have clearly taken a shine to Moses as they team up for Neon Nebula EP. In the course of two tracks – “Neon Nebula” and “Beat Da Dawn” – Moses and Secret seem to concoct a journeying blend of techno across styles, incorporating a few cavernous synth parts and of course, a heavy-duty approach to bass. There’s plenty to groove on as well as a more escapist sense heard in the collaboration.

Demonstealer – The Propaganda Machine

★★★★

The first minute of Mumbai metal veteran Demonstealer’s new album The Propaganda Machine is entirely instrumental, which says all it has to about an artist who has always believed in the sonic force that is metal. “The Fear Campaign” dazzles with death metal intensity just like that, while “Monolith of Hate” is fist-tight in its precision. Sure there are musicians like drummer Hannes Grossmann, guitarist Dean Paul Arnold, sticksman Ken Bedene and bassist Martino Garattoni, but Demonstealer ties it all together with his decades-sharp sensibility. The songs are sometimes lengthy (“The Art of Disinformation”) and also compact (“The Propaganda Machine”) but they always make sure to gallop and surprise at different turns (“The Anti-National”). The artist’s way with groove, melody, growls and everything in between is at its strongest with The Propaganda Machine, as Demonstealer declares war on the divisive forces of the world.