Expanding on a noir electro-pop sound already steeped in eastern influences, VANDANA‘s latest release Contra re-imagines Indian and Pakistani music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90s. Lead track “Ahsa” intrigues with a heartbeat synth-bass pulse and foreboding keyboard textures. The artist’s deep and resonant vocals soon become the focus, singing in a native language that adds an extra element of mystery. Careful percussive and electronic keyboard elements make their way into the mix completing an overall mystical experience. Follow-up track “Ahsila” makes use of slow-building atmospherics, deep bass synths and light bubbling textures in between seductively enigmatic vocals. Five tracks in all, the record can be heard and acquired at the artists bandcamp. VANDANA will be playing a daytime event Benefit for Kashmir at Baby’s All Right on 9/22. – Dave Cromwell
