Mumbai-based rock outfit Runt, spearheaded by prolific musician Siddharth Basrur, released its electrifying new single, Racecar, on 11th April, making it the second from the highly anticipated debut album ‘Runt’.
Racecar dives into the social media-driven influencer generation with a mix of wit and intensity. With sharp, tongue-in-cheek lyricism, Basrur explores the lengths individuals go to for digital validation. The song’s dynamic alternative rock and punk-infused sound make it the perfect soundtrack for a long drive or an intense workout session.
The track was written between travels and studio sessions, with Basrur penning the lyrics while on the road for a gig and crafting the music in his home studio in Mumbai. Inspired by everyday observations and humorous takes on modern culture, Racecar is both high-energy and thought-provoking.
Like the rest of ‘Runt’, the single was recorded, engineered, and produced by Basrur himself, with the album mixed and mastered by the band’s guitarist, Chandan Raina. The project has been years in the making, featuring songs written across different time periods, carefully selected to create a cohesive sonic journey.
Runt was conceived in 2014 as an outlet for Basrur’s creative frustrations when his other musical projects remained stagnant. Initially intended as a solo effort, the project gained momentum after the release of its debut EP ‘Rhymes With’ in 2017, which was recognized as one of Rolling Stone India’s top indie EPs of the year.
Over the years, Runt has evolved into a full-fledged band, with Basrur leading as the primary songwriter and producer. The current lineup includes Basrur on guitar and vocals, Chandan Raina on guitar, Soumitra Vichare on bass, and Jeremy D’souza on drums.
Rooted in 90s alternative rock, punk, and heavier sounds, Basrur draws inspiration from bands like The Posies, Soundgarden, Helmet, Shiner, Bad Religion, and Jamie Lenman. The upcoming album sees Runt pushing boundaries, blending radio-friendly melodies with heavier, more aggressive instrumentals.
Following the release of Racecar, Runt will continue to roll out singles leading up to the full album release later in 2025. With a fresh, energetic sound and thought-provoking themes, the album promises to be a landmark moment in the artist’s journey.