Baalti's latest 'Better Together' EP sees the duo explore euphoric and clubbier sounds
"It's our most sincere and complete expression yet, and we’ve tried to capture all of the feelings we had from a year of touring, living with our bffs, being in love."
Baalti, the Indian duo hailing from San Francisco, have just released their third EP, and it's safe to say that it’s their most authentic yet.
Titled 'Better Together', the five-track record reflects the various club sounds they've been immersing themselves in over the past year, resulting in a fusion of their nostalgic South Asian flavours with euphoric club music and breaks. The off-kilter sensibilities they’ve brought into the release perfectly aligns with the aesthetic of Seb Wildblood's All My Thoughts imprint, on which the release has found a fitting home.
Throughout 'Better Together', Baalti maintains an emotive element that resonates with the leftfield dance-floor sounds they've been exploring recently. Their signature sampling of classic Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi music is still present, but this time, it blends seamlessly; speedy bass on 'Spilling' and jungle breaks coupled with gentle, amiable chords on 'Buttons'. 'Kirpa' takes drifts through euphoric breakbeat whilst 'Wedding Season' brings out a celebratory percussive tech-house groove. The EP finishes up with 'Staying in Touch' that rides on a dreamy tabla-infused breakbeat.
Have a listen to 'Better Together' below.
When asked about the record, Baalti explains that they wanted to tap into clubbier energy that they’ve recently been encapsulated by.
“With this record, we wanted to lean into clubbier energy that’s been inspiring, enriching and energising us. We’re trying to connect where we come from to where we are right now, bringing sounds we grew up with to dance floors and spaces we’re part of today. It’s our most sincere and complete expression yet, and we’ve tried to capture all of the feelings we had from a year of touring, living with our bffs, being in love, finding amazing communities through music, and getting more connected with each other as a duo.”
Overall, 'Better Together' showcases Baalti's evolution as artists, demonstrating their willingness to experiment with new sounds while staying true to their roots.
Baalti 'Better Together' EP is out now on All My Thoughts. Grab your copy here.
Arun Ramanathan is Mixmag Asia’s Director. Follow him on Instagram.
