First capturing our attention back in 2020, KUNAL quickly asserted himself as an artist of substance and style creatively intertwined.
Angelic & Devilish introduced an ambient and euphoric fusion of big-beats and melancholic keys, alongside that instantly iconic vocal depth and flow that is the compelling KUNAL voice and storytelling.
That debut song was both sharp and contemplative, with a classic bounce and growing emotional weight laying down a series of powerful and complex bars – ideas that rained down with new clarity and presence each time you returned to the push-and-pull dynamic of this introspective, self-reflective anthem for alternatives.
One year later, Feelin’ Good brought an intense and haunting fusion of piano, trap beats, and that same unmistakable vocal integrity. The track balanced dark vibes with optimistic lyrics in a unique way, and KUNAL continued to build upon this juxtaposed originality over time – always leading with passion and authenticity, which seemed to veer away from genre stereotypes, instead offering something interesting, engaging, poetic yet playful, and profoundly human.
We got a little closer to the man behind the music with Better Plans – ambition and energy, optimism and darkness again seamlessly intertwined. Then for Prelude 22′, a heavy bassline and unfiltered tempo and intensity brought focus to the passion and fiercely reflective honesty of KUNAL as a modern storyteller and poet. No stone left unturned, the style always held close to this genuine creative realm of thoughtfulness.
2021 also saw the release of the riff-strong Peace of Cake – an upbeat guitar-trap mix with a catchy floor-filler vibe that completely redirected things. The rhythm was on point, the vocal and soundscape perfectly united amidst an energetic and uplifting listen that’s addictive to experience at volume. KUNAL’s wordplay is smart, sharp, witty, insightful, and features a strong balance of mildly familiar and totally fresh wordplay.
“Life’s too short for drama, it takes more energy to make enemies, so my motive is honour.”
Four years on from the debut, KUNAL returns with what he dubs the final chapter of this particular artistic project. It’s immediately evident that something like melodic and cinematic, softer and perhaps more smooth production choices have inspired a level of growth that’s humble but effective.
The bars of night voices pour through with a quicker pace but perhaps a more mellow tone – a kind of humility that lets the prowess and intelligence of the writing stand tall, without the need for volume or flashy outbursts.
Sonically we get a completely full mix, noting keys, synths, bass, a catchy but subtle hook, and a structural aura that lets the music feel calming, while KUNAL contrastingly delivers some of his most impressive and vulnerable, smart and substantial bars ever.
night voices again feels light and even colourful on the surface, but the subject matter is dark and difficult – a confrontational story that carefully balances metaphor and literal anecdotes, as KUNAL relays the details of a journey stacked high with ambition, uncertainty, confidence, and complexity.
Something like a perfect fusion of sonic embrace and the unignorable ache of introspection and aspiration. A representation of the voices in your head being so loud, but the song providing a mellow RnB flavour to perhaps let you feel less intimidated by them.
night voices also features a Punjabi rap towards the end – a subtle twist that helps further reinforce the fearless realism and integrity of KUNAL, not just as a talented rapper, but as a multi-faceted artist, for whom the intricacy and impact of the music, lyrics, performance, and structure are all rightfully of equal value.
Far from the end of KUNAL’s time in modern music, this single simply marks the finale of a four-year chapter of life and learning that has been this creative output and mood. We will hear plenty more from the man behind the songs, under a different name, with a different set of stories to tell, but at the same time – KUNAL will live on through this music; these timeless tracks, and the inspiring presence of creative evolution that can be heard throughout his Hip Hop repertoire.
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