The indie music scene is abuzz with the release of Drinking For The First Time, the debut EP from Delhi-based six-piece band Ladyship, which officially dropped today, October 10, 2024. Far from being just another indie record, Drinking For The First Time is an evocative and dynamic musical experience that resists categorization. It seamlessly merges vintage influences with contemporary sounds, creating a sonic landscape that feels both comfortably familiar and refreshingly unexpected.
A Sonic Exploration of Contrasts
Ladyship’s debut EP doesn’t follow a linear path or fit neatly into any one genre. Instead, it lives in the space between, where the boundaries blur and the listener is constantly taken on a journey. With elements of art rock, classic rock, indie pop, and blues, the band weaves a tapestry of sounds that shifts effortlessly between moods and styles. The music exudes a certain nostalgia while still retaining a modern edge, inviting listeners to revisit each track, only to find something new with every spin.
The band took a DIY approach to recording and mixing, handling the process themselves to capture a raw, analog warmth that’s often missing from today’s overly polished productions. However, this is not another “lo-fi” project; the imperfections present in the recordings are deliberate, adding depth and character to each song. As guitarist Abhiraj puts it, “Recording this EP felt like a conversation between the past and the present. We wanted each track to feel lived in, like you’ve heard it before, but can’t quite place where. It’s music for people who want to feel something deeper.”
Breaking Down the Tracks: Five Songs That Defy Expectations
The five tracks on Drinking For The First Time each bring their own unique flavor to the table, forming a cohesive collection while still showcasing the band’s range and versatility.
1. Yes Man
The EP opens with a bang with “Yes Man,” a track that immediately grabs your attention with its eclectic mix of disco, funk, and classic rock influences. It’s a playful yet intense opener that sets the tone for what’s to come, delivering grooves reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” meeting the angular rhythms of Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless.” The result is a sound that feels as fresh as it is timeless, challenging listeners to let go of expectations and simply enjoy the ride.
2. Plastic Glasses
With “Plastic Glasses,” Ladyship shifts to a more reflective tone, touching on themes of youthful idealism and bittersweet nostalgia. The instrumentation is characterized by wistful indie guitar tones and layered textures that evoke a sense of longing for simpler times. There’s a vulnerability in the lyrics that pairs well with the nostalgic sonic elements, making the track resonate as a heartfelt homage to dreams that seem to fade with time.
3. CV Blues
Taking a more playful approach, “CV Blues” combines bluesy, classic rock vibes with jangly guitars and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The track’s shifting grooves build a mounting raw energy that mirrors the ups and downs of everyday life. It’s a reminder not to take things too seriously, delivered in a way that’s reminiscent of classic rock’s irreverent spirit while still feeling distinctly Ladyship. The song’s lively arrangement encourages listeners to let loose and embrace the imperfections that make life interesting.
4. AQI
Named after the Air Quality Index, “AQI” captures the contradictions and chaotic nature of city life. Its relentless crescendos swing between soaring highs and introspective lows, layering dreamy alt-rock textures over driving rhythms. The song serves as an aural representation of the fluctuating emotions and pressures of living in an urban environment, where beauty and despair often coexist. It’s one of the more complex tracks on the EP, embodying both an energy and a melancholy that resonate deeply.
5. Reflections
Closing the EP is “Reflections,” a slow-burning emotional track that draws inspiration from the atmospheric soundscapes of Pink Floyd and Radiohead. With ambient guitars and synths that build gradually, the song leaves listeners in a state of quiet contemplation. It’s a fitting end to a record that’s all about the journey, not just the destination. “Reflections” allows the EP to end on a thoughtful note, inviting listeners to sit with their thoughts and absorb the full weight of the musical experience they’ve just undergone.
Ladyship: Crafting Music That Defies Conventions
Ladyship’s sound is shaped by a variety of influences, including Radiohead, The Velvet Underground, and contemporary indie favorites like Peter Cat Recording Co. The band channels these influences while striving to create something that feels entirely their own. Ladyship’s songs exist in a cinematic realm where each note could easily serve as the soundtrack to a film scene—something surreal, evocative, and layered with meaning.
The band’s approach is one of intentional artistry. They didn’t just aim to create catchy songs; instead, they sought to craft an experience that takes listeners on an emotional journey. “We’re inspired by artists who broke the mold and challenged the conventions of rock and pop music,” says Abhiraj. “That’s what we want to do—to make music that feels like it belongs in the kind of film that leaves you questioning what you just experienced.”
A Debut That Marks the Beginning of a Promising Journey
With Drinking For The First Time, Ladyship has managed to set themselves apart in a crowded indie music landscape. Their debut EP isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a statement of intent. It’s clear that the band has put thought and care into every detail, from the raw edges of the production to the layered, often unpredictable nature of the compositions.
Ladyship’s debut marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey. The band has already demonstrated that they are not afraid to take risks, and with Drinking For The First Time, they have crafted a record that invites multiple listens, each time revealing something new. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new sounds, there’s no telling where Ladyship will go next. But one thing is certain: they’ve already made an indelible mark on the indie music scene.
The Band’s DIY Approach and Future Prospects
The choice to record and mix the EP themselves is a testament to Ladyship’s commitment to authenticity and self-expression. By embracing a DIY ethos, the band has ensured that their music remains true to their vision, unfiltered and unpolished in a way that adds to the depth of the listening experience.
With a promising debut under their belt, Ladyship is poised to expand their reach and continue captivating audiences. Drinking For The First Time serves not only as an introduction to the band’s eclectic sound but also as a precursor to the many bold and innovative projects they are sure to undertake in the future.
For now, Ladyship invites you to dive into Drinking For The First Time, lose yourself in the music, and perhaps, find a bit of yourself along the way.
