Album Review: Baalti Ep
Album Review: Baalti – Baalti
October 19, 2021
Amelia Helland
Baalti (Mihir Chauhan and Jaiveer Singh) has been gaining lots of traction here in the Bay this fall. Our contributing writer Amelia Helland makes her Fault debut reviewing their release from August.
Album artwork via Bandcamp
Baalti serves up a tastefully fresh fusion of lofi deep house vibes in their debut EP release on the KRUNK KULTURE label. Featuring Bengali disco beats, Gujarati folk instruments, and classical Hindustani record samples, the Baalti EP offers an extra hot mix for dance music fans.
The opening track “Aame” sounds like a journey through a pumping party, or the memories of one. Warm waves of synth and layers of upbeat percussion rise in a compelling crescendo, and a story abstractly unfolds with delightful additions of classical voices. Nostalgia seems to take over as the dancy euphony fades to silence around someone presenting a curious thought.
“Ustad” feels like a refreshing vacation, seamlessly dipping into a conversation sprinkled with high pitched keys over ethereal synth pads. Dreamy energy beads up like water before dropping into a deep groovy disco beat with tropical percussion accents. The driving percussion eventually stops, and a catchy chant playfully builds anticipation for another juicy drop to lead out the song.
Sounds from India are most clearly highlighted in “Kolkata ‘78.” After a suave introduction, the song builds power with a funky bass and strobing synth before really starting to sparkle with slick sitar riffs, cascading chimes, and a sweet classical voice. This one is an easy favorite!
“Me & You & Rob from M.A.D.” is yet another excellent track, wrapping the EP up with high energy from instruments like tablas, rattles, agogos, and xylophones intricately decorating the bouncy house beat. Whimsical horns and vocal interchanges dance with the strong pulse of the groove, mimicking the excitement of a festival or some kind of sound playground.
All in all, the Baalti EP is a fun go-to for a great number of occasions; it brilliantly balances familiar house sounds with diverse cultural influences, making it stand out as an enchanting acoustic experience that can uplift and unify eclectic audiences. While every song feels uniquely exciting, they complement each other beautifully and make the EP feel cohesive. With artful nuances lovingly laid out in every track, this EP can definitely be savored over and over again.
Give it a listen!
Amelia is a nonbinary fashionista and multidisciplinary artist known for her loving spirit, prescient wisdom, and dry epigrammatic humor. When she isn't working as a data scientist or bonding with cats/community, she enjoys dancing, singing, drumming, drawing, writing, enjoying nature, doing yoga, playing piano, and listening to records.