Add to playlist: the euphoric ‘Bollywood electronic’ of the Twins and the week’s best new tracks

Brothers Omar and Jamal Ikram, 21-year-old siblings from Aldershot, Hampshire, are carving out a distinctive niche in the contemporary music scene with their self-proclaimed genre, “Bollywood electronic.” This innovative sound is characterized by its loud, lo-fi, and ultra-glitchy dance-pop, infused with the rich melodic sensibilities of Bollywood music. Their approach draws parallels to the experimental electronic artist 2hollis, but with a significant infusion of heavily sampled South Asian pop, creating a vibrant and complex sonic tapestry. The Twins' music also echoes the foundational appeal of Jai Paul's seminal track 'Str8 Outta Mumbai,' which masterfully fused the laid-back sheen of 2010s electronic pop with the distinctive rhythmic and melodic qualities of Bollywood. However, the Ikram brothers push this further, imbuing their tracks with a frenetic energy and euphoric aggression reminiscent of early Skrillex, alongside the unsettling, intricate noise textures associated with Aphex Twin.

Their debut album, "Turmeric," released last year, proved to be a minor success, significantly boosted by the collaboration "Fuckersby" with the burgeoning British rapper Fakemink. The album's reception was further amplified by the Twins' monthly NTS radio show, also titled "Turmeric," which is set to celebrate its first anniversary this month. This show serves as a sonic extension of their artistic vision, featuring an eclectic mix that spans classic British pop figures like Lily Allen, prominent Punjabi artists such as Sukshinder Shinda, and contemporary electronic acts like the Hellp and Sophia Stel. This diverse curation cultivates an atmosphere akin to a late-night pirate radio station, existing outside conventional temporal and stylistic boundaries.

Following the success of their debut, the Twins released their EP "There&Back" in May. This follow-up project refines their signature sound, maintaining its characteristic loudness and wildness while introducing further experimental collaborations. Tracks featuring Rada and Varg2TM on "There&Back" are noted for being even more audacious and untamed than those on "Turmeric." This EP represents a polished yet uninhibited evolution of their "Bollywood electronic" style, underscoring their commitment to a bold and unconventional production ethos. The Twins' trajectory suggests a continued exploration of this unique genre, with their new single "Wish U" already available, indicating their ongoing creative output and dedication to pushing musical boundaries.