The Indies ’09: Most Promising Indie

The Indiecision ‘09 is a recap of the year gone by in Indian indie and a recognition of the work of its artists and those involved with the creation and promotion of the music.
The Most Promising Indie is the artist who, in 2009, showed most potential as an act for the future. The nominees for Most Promising Indie are

Of 2009′s batch of solo singer-songwriters who thrived at open mic sessions and terrace gigs, no one showed more promise, based on the merit of the music alone, than Noush Like Sploosh. Armed with a dry wit, and a musical sensibility falling somewhere between Regina Spektor and Imogen Heap, Ms Sploosh is the most compelling argument for Mumbai’s growing singer-songwriter scene.

The project of Split frontman Garreth D’Mello, Dischordian is minimal, orchestral indie pop. D’Mello’s Nick Drake inspired material is driven by upbeat melodies and uncomplicated song constructions that make for largely engaging listens.

The Mavyns (pronounce May-wins) are a four-piece rock act from Mumbai. Their music is rooted in pre-Revolver era Beatles pop, while taking liberally from new-Brit post-punk made popular by bands like The Fratellis and Arctic Monkeys. It works. Pretty well.

We first dug New Delhi alternative act The Circus at the Channel V Launchpad eliminations in early-’09. Their Incubus inspired alternative is delivered efficiently and makes no bones about what it is and where it finds its roots. With a new album slated to be out soon, expect big things from this quartet.

Boy-girl punk duo Seven Degrees took us by surprise with their entry for Stupid Stupid Stupid. Their music is spiralling, crashy punk that’s almost impetuous in it’s ability to drive one to some violent action. And we haven’t even seen them live yet.

And the Most Promising Indie is

The Mavyns.

Head to the Indiecision ‘09 homepage for all the action.