New Indian Psychedelic Rock
Contents
New Indian Psychedelic Rock refers to a subgenre of Psychedelic Rock that developed in India in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Rise of Psychedelic Rock in India
In the late 1960s, a new musical genre was born in the Western world: psychedelic rock. Inspired by the psychoactive effects of mind-altering drugs like LSD, this style of music was characterized by heavy use of feedback, distorted guitars, and elaborate studio effects. Psychedelic rock quickly caught on in the United States and the United Kingdom, spawning a number of classic albums and bands in the process.
Interestingly, psychedelic rock also found a home in India. At the same time that Western bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd were exploring mind-expanding soundscapes, a number of Indian musicians were doing the same. These artists were heavily influenced by Western psychedelic rock, but they also infused their music with traditional Indian instrumentation and melodies. The result was a unique and intriguing hybrid genre that continues to grow in popularity today.
If you’re curious about this fascinating style of music, check out our list of essential Indian psychedelic rock albums. You’re sure to find something that piques your interest!
The New Wave of Indian Psychedelic Rock Bands
Indian psychedelic rock is a genre of rock music that combines Indian classical music with elements of psychedelic rock. It began to develop in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with bands such as The Fabulous Flamingo legs and Atomic Forest becoming popular in India. In the 1990s and 2000s, a new wave of Indian psychedelic rock bands emerged, including Swarathma, Junoon and Kula Shaker.
The genre is sometimes also referred to as “desi-rock”, “indie-rock” or “alt-rock”.
The Sound of Indian Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic rock from India is having a moment. Just a few years ago, Indian psychedelic music was little known outside of the subcontinent. But thanks to a handful of dedicated record labels, collectors and music lovers, the sounds of India’s vibrant psychedelic scene are finally starting to get the attention they deserve.
Indian psychedelia is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. It’s a unique blend of traditional Indian music, Western pop and rock, and mind-bending psychedelia. The best way to understand it is to hear it for yourself. And luckily, there are more and more Indian psychedelic records being reissued and made available to Western audiences every day.
So if you’re looking to explore the world of Indian psychedelic rock, where should you start? Here are 5 essential albums to get you started on your journey into this fascinating musical world.
The Future of Indian Psychedelic Rock
The future of Indian psychedelic rock looks bright. With a rich history of traditional music and a growing interest in experimental and innovative sounds, India is poised to become a leading force in the global psychedelic rock scene.
There are a number of exciting new bands that are spearheading the revival of Indian psychedelic rock, including The Solar Project, Ethereal 332, and manage. These bands are fusing traditional Indian influences with modern psychedelia to create a unique and fresh sound that is capturing the imagination of music lovers around the world.
The Solar Project is one of the most popular new bands in India. Formed in 2016, the band has quickly become known for their catchy and accessible songs, which combine elements of classic psychedelic rock with Indian classical music and contemporary pop. The band’s debut album, ‘Invisible Rays’, was released to critical acclaim in 2017 and topped the iTunes India charts.
Ethereal 332 is another exciting new band that is making waves in the Indian music scene. Formed in 2015, the band takes its name from the number of frequencies in an octave of Pythagorean tuning. Their sound is based on classic psychedlic rock but also incorporates Indian classical and folk influences. The band has released two EPs to date, ‘Aurora’ (2015) and ‘Equilibrium’ (2017), which have both been well-received by critics and fans alike.
Manage is another up-and-coming band that is worth keeping an eye on. Formed in 2016, the band has been described as “a breath of fresh air” (The Times of India) due to their unique blend of classic psychedelic rock with modern electronic dance music influences. The band released their debut EP, ‘Antares’, in 2017 to positive reviews from both critics and fans.
With such a wealth of talent emerging from India, it is clear that the country is poised to become a major player on the global psychedelic rock scene. Be sure to keep an ear out for these exciting new bands!