Based in New Delhi, Rusha and Blizza are an artist duo that is bringing experimental sound design to Indian Classical music. Having more than 10 million organic plays across streaming services, and topping charts on Spotify and Apple Music, the duo are definitely not strangers to success. Being featured on online publications and getting radio play is commonplace for them, and they are constantly upping themselves with each new release. Their music has evolved from past releases which although have a similar style, are more contemporary and less experimental. This time around, they are focused on making their tracks more condensed and having more refined production.
A duo which has been in the scene for well over 7 years, clearly learns some tricks along the way, and it shows on their latest EP. The mesmerising glitchy production, coupled with samples of classical Indian sitar and tablas. Elements of UK two step, dubstep and future bass & house can clearly be heard on the tracks, and the production incorporates Indian elements to create a flowing fusion sound. A combination of digital and analog, sonically pleasing synths add to the soundscape, and long reverbs and delays further accentuate the ear candy.
The first track ‘Change’ throws the listener into the action, starting with trance-like, glitchy synths, progressing into a drop with gated vocal chops, and tabla chops bring a lot of rhythm into the track. The song ends with a warm community chant, layered with synths and claps
The second track ‘It Feels Like’ starts off like deep house club banger, incorporating some elements of the genre, but switches up into a beautiful dubstep-y indian fusion track. The multilingual vocals add a nice contrast throughout the track.
The third track ‘Jaaye’ incorporates hyperpop-influenced pitched, sampled melodies and classical indian vocals. The hi hat patterns which smoothly transition from straight to triplets and back, lend a lot of variation and energy to the song.
The closing track ‘Payal’ hits the listener with a groovy bass guitar which goes very well with kick. The song has a judicious use of sidechain on multiple elements, and specifically the vocal sidechained to the bass during the drop creates an interesting sound. The hindi vocals add a humanistic flavour to otherwise cool but concise production. The duo released a music video of this track which, although simple, complements the minimal sound of this track and the EP.
As good as the project is, the mix is certainly lacking. Vocals have too much sibilance and levels of individual elements are unbalanced. The bassy frequencies sound good, but the high end sounds uncontrolled at times. But that does not stop the listener from appreciating the amazing, to the point production and unconventional arrangements. The music of Rusha and Blizza is evolving with each release, and the Change, is welcome.
