Mumbai’s newest hard-rock outfit CONTRA, led by indie scene staples Manas Jha and Dean, carve out their debut eponymous EP, reeling in the prowess of hotshot vocalist/guitarist Siddharth Basrur on production duties.
This four-track offering bundles CONTRA’s earlier release ‘Rain’ with three new compositions, all molded by the band’s multifarious influences and experiences leading to a fantastic rock-ravaged soundscape.
In a press statement, guitarist Dean communicated, “CONTRA is about challenging the status quo, both in music and in life. Whether it’s through longboarding or through our songs, we want to inspire people to find their own path, to confront their demons, and to live life on their own terms.”
The EP cranks opens with a dialogue exchange from Rebel Highway (1994), a made-for-television movie series, nicked off the film ‘Roadracers,’ wherein the Sarge quashes rock ‘n’ roll music, claiming, “That music is turnin’ the kids into a bunch of sex hungry, beer drinkin’, road racin’ werewolves.”
Slamming this notion, ‘Kids Aren’t The Same Anymore’ unlocks the EP, slapping on an old-school rock ballad. This single draws from Dean’s experiences with his Longboard Crew India and powerfully offers a study of youth culture, probing into the challenges and accomplishments of a generation frequently misunderstood.
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What follows next is an onslaught of heavy-duty guitar rhythms, pounding drums, and stellar bass throbbings in ‘You Were There,’ a song cobbled together to immortalize the late Sunando Sen, a victim of a hate crime that took place at a New York City subway station in 2012. If you are looking for a fresh sound to trigger a mosh pit in a live setting, it is this one.
‘Rain’ ensues, followed by the curtain-closing single ‘Lucky Strike,’ pivoting to a theme stitched around an observation of the quick-fire dating culture that exists today. Furnished by Basur’s vocal mastery and a snazzy guitar solo, rabid guitar riffs, and crashing drums form the backbone of this speedy hard-rock ballad, which is forged against a backdrop of cigarettes and Blue LITS.
About the EP, Manas conveyed, “This EP is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a reflection of our journeys, both individual and collective. We’ve poured our hearts into these tracks, and we can’t wait to share them with the world.”
To celebrate the launch of this EP, CONTRA staged a high-octane performance at live indie music space Stables in Andheri East, Mumbai, and hooked in by a revolving door of musicians including Shawn Pereira (Blakc), guitarist Sidd Coutto, musician Teemer, and drummer Aniket S Waghmode. The foursome was sandwiched between a returning Runt, led by Siddharth Basrur (with Jeremy D’Souza and Soumitra Vichare), and alternative rock/art-rock crew Daira.
Find CONTRA on: Instagram | Spoifty
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