10 Best Indian EPs of 2021

Sparkling debuts and longanticipated releases delivered on their promises this past year

- Anurag Tagat and David Britto

10 Enkore – Dhalta Chaand STILL COUNTED AMONG the seasoned hip-hop artists to rise from Mumbai, it seems like Enkore took a minute to catch his breath following his knockout 2018 record Bombay Soul. A few collaborations in between, Enkore was kind of invisible but he didn’t let another prolific year of Indian hip-hop pass him by without bearing his bilingual rap flourishes. On Dhalta Chaand, Enkore rages like he missed it (“Hey Bhagwaan”) and invites rapper Yashraj to share the mic (and perspectives about struggle) on the title track and offers a (mostly) unfiltered take on mental health (“Heal AF”). – ANURAG TAGAT

9 Ferry Tales – Long Time, No Sea

MUMBAI POP-ROCK BAND FERRY TALES — comprising vocalist-guitarist Akshay Dakhane, drummer Nilay Singh, guitarist Nischal Chaubey, bassist Raghukul Mathur and keyboardist Nishant Nair — show off their pop sensibilities and playful yet laidback sonic approach on their six-track sophomore EP titled Long Time, No Sea. The whole EP is filled with dexterous moments, some flavorful guitar parts, stellar songwriting as well as blissful and mellifluous vocal melodies. Long Time, No Sea features straightup pop tracks (“Lies” and “Sneak”), relaxed arrangements (“Home” and “Medicine”) and heavier elements (“Strong” and “Infinite Love”). — DAVID BRITTO

8 Sandunes – Nowhere to Stand