Emerging from the vibrant musical landscape of Gangtok, Sikkim, Harrowing Dearth is a compelling punk-prog duo comprising Josiah Ranpal and Abhinav Sharma. Josiah brings a rich background in heavy music and jazz fusion, while Abhinav’s roots lie in the singer-songwriter tradition. Their collaboration results in a unique blend of intricate musicianship and raw energy, pushing the boundaries of genre conventions.
Influenced by eclectic acts such as Steely Dan, Fugazi, King Crimson, and Weather Report, Harrowing Dearth crafts a sound that is both sharp and unhinged, precise yet unpredictable. Their self-titled EP delves into the darker corners of the human experience, weaving themes of grief, obsession, and self-destruction through introspective lyricism and dynamic instrumentation.
Grief Abuser-
“Grief Abuser” confronts misery with no subtlety – just power and precision. It explores how pain can turn into performance, where genuine suffering begins to blur with the habit of revisiting it for comfort, attention, or self-validation. It’s a theme that feels timely, and the band approaches it with biting clarity.
The track kicks off with thrashing drums and electric guitar that lays down a tense, unsettled atmosphere. The riffs are sharp and restless propelling the song forward with urgency. As the instrumental lead takes over, the guitar develops a tensed melody that refuses easy resolution—capturing the song’s emotional instability.
There’s a sense of close control in the way the rhythm and guitar interplay. The punk energy is undeniable, but it’s threaded with proggy shifts in tempo and phrasing that add unpredictability without losing cohesion.
What makes “Grief Abuser” stand out is the ending. Just when it feels like the track might boil over, the tempo drops suddenly, and everything slows down. The chaos thins out, making space for weight. The aftermath of emotional overload is quiet, dragged out, and heavy. It lingers.
Spiralling-
“Spiralling” tells a chilling story wrapped in an almost deceptive sound. At its core, the track follows the disturbing arc of a celebrity being pursued and ultimately killed by an obsessed fan. The lyrics take a sarcastic tone, walking the uneasy line between admiration and obsession, revealing just how thin that line can be in the spotlight.
The track plays into that tension. It opens with a fast-paced yet mellow groove, led by tight guitar harmonies and steady drum work that give it a polished surface. There’s an intentional contrast at play – the music feels light, even danceable at times, while the theme underneath grows darker with every turn.
The chord progression locks in with the rhythm section, creating a sense of forward motion that feels both fascinating and unsettling. A standout moment comes with the mid-track key change and the introduction of electronic textures in the instrumental break.
“Spiralling” stands out not just for its concept, but for how effectively the band uses arrangement and tone to reflect the narrative. It’s catchy on the surface, haunting underneath.
Shrine of Errors-
“Shrine of Errors” opens the EP with both weight and precision, diving straight into the cycle of addiction. It captures the feeling of being stuck in patterns of self-destruction where even self-awareness isn’t enough to break free. The imagery behind the title says it all: a personal altar built from past mistakes, where flaws aren’t just acknowledged but almost revered.
Guitar work here is full of subtle trills and melodic turns that give the song depth without overplaying emotion. The rhythm section holds everything in place, letting the complexity of the melody carry the weight. “Shrine of Errors” is a bold opener. Not because it’s loud, but because it’s honest. It sets the tone for the EP with quiet intensity pairing concept with craft right from the first note.
Harrowing Dearth’s self-titled EP is a profound exploration of human vulnerability, blending punk intensity with progressive complexity. Each track offers a unique perspective on emotional and psychological struggles, unified by the duo’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries. Their ability to intertwine intricate instrumentation with raw, introspective themes positions them as a distinctive voice in the contemporary music scene.
