From the two-track release Nyxora, Shivaansh Narendra introduces a wholly immersive modern style, fusing electronic and AI production details across an apocalyptic and evocative story and sentiment, as Neon Gods lights up a distinct and hypnotic new sound.
Boldly impassioned as it rolls through sections perfectly contrasted with one another, Neon Gods reflects on contemporary city living and values, building up intensely towards a near-euphoric drum and bass-heavy drop for its mid-section. The voice is programmed but equally intensified as this evolution occurs, and we even switch to a rap delivery to further that eclecticism and the strength with which the track holds attention.
The only thing potentially missing is the live essence of humanity to really bring this performance to life. However, the song is so eclectic, the latter half so dark – in keeping with the changing stages of the story – that Neon Gods works its magic in and of itself.
‘We were never meant to stay, we were sparks in a dying day‘ – this lyric, amongst many others, resounds before the final metal scream and creative outro of the track. It’s a fiercely recognisable production and song, and a fine testament to the artistic escapism of all things Shivaansh Narendra.
Switching gears entirely, from the same project, Masquerade is a stripped-back and near-acoustic RnB arrangement, with intimate lyrics and stylish guitars presenting a shoulder-swaying groove that poetically explores a relationship gone wrong.
From a mainstream perspective, this song is a simple earworm, with a satisfying resolve that naturally lingers in the mind.
Finally, another recent single from Shivaansh Narendra, Keep Up wanders somewhere between the styles of the two former tracks – a colourful pop set-up, with a passionate rise through this story of self-motivation and ambition. It’s a theatrical arrangement, multiple instruments and moments blending genres throughout a storytelling progression that rises and falls like waves.
Electronic and artificially intelligent production is becoming its own genre in many ways, and there’s something strangely captivating about this particular fusion of story and style. The songs don’t simply adhere to the building blocks expected by modern pop, but instead follow their own wholly enchanting pathway through intention and creative freedom, and as such, each song from Shivaansh Narendra features an unpredictable and boldly artistic sense of constantly shifting dynamic.
