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What was summer like in the 80s? The air thick with a fruity scent of mangoes ripening in the sun, sounds of swimming pool splashes and the bells of ice cream carts, golden light filtering through palm trees, casting dappled shadows on cracked sidewalks where transistor radios played the latest hits, unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts & flip flops, the clink of ice in lemonade and soft pink sunsets. Bangalore-based artist Tarang Joseph captures this very essence into his latest EP Liquid Sunshine.
The artist pivots from his earlier singer-songwriter roots to a vibrant, nu-disco universe. A nostalgic yet cutting-edge plunge into disco, funk, and acid jazz, the EP bridges the euphoria of yesteryears with the sharp sophistication of today. This is music that feels like freedom - pure, unfiltered, and drenched in the golden hues of memory. it’s a time machine that rockets you into the 80s while keeping you grounded with modern-day house beats. Think Jamiroquai meets Kaytranada, with a splash of Stevie Wonder’s soulful brilliance and the synthy sparkle of Dua Lipa.
The EP kicks off with funk-heavy, 'take me away', a track so effervescent it feels like jumping into a pool of glitter. Anchored by a bassline that demands movement and a chorus that sticks, the song captures the dizzying highs of love that’s as electrifying as it is fleeting. Tarang’s signature keys shine here with Surya Kalyanaraman’s bass grooves and Adesh Vinod’s rhythmic guitar licks, all tied together by Shourjo Chatterjee’s tight drumming.
'my favourite' is an introspective yet undeniably danceable ode to heartbreak inspired by The Alchemist. With dreamy synth-pop textures and a melody that tugs at your heartstrings, it’s like bittersweet love wrapped in neon lights. Tarang’s vocals glide effortlessly over the lush soundscape, invoking the likes of The Weeknd while staying true to his indie roots.
'make it right', an R&B-infused slow-burner steeped in warm summer-night nostalgia is the curveball of the EP. It’s the sonic equivalent of a quiet moonlit drive with an old flame, featuring a dreamy pre-chorus and a chorus motif so groovy you’ll have it on loop. The track is the slow dance in the 80s-themed night that is the EP.
The title track captures the spirit of the EP. Pulsing with Kaytranada-esque house beats layered with live drums, it captures the EP’s ethos of rediscovering joy and embracing life with childlike wonder. It’s the crescendo of a journey that takes you through love, loss, and a technicolor rebirth.
Between late 2022 and mid-2023, Tarang dove headfirst into the world of classic disco and 80s music, and icons like Michael Jackson and Jamiroquai, alongside modern NuDisco acts like Parcels and Franc Moody. Silk Sonic’s 70s soul revival became a constant source of inspiration, fueling his desire to blend 80s-inspired sounds with modern house and nu-disco, all while spotlighting live instrumentation. His aim was to craft music that felt nostalgic yet forward-thinking.
He also flipped his usual songwriting process on its head. Instead of starting at the piano, he kicked things off with basslines to lock in the groove first despite his limited bass-playing experience, which kept things simple and intuitive. Working closely with his band, he transitioned drafts made on his DAW with electronic drums into live arrangements, ensuring the songs would shine on stage. The result was a fresh take on disco, designed for high-energy live performances while keeping the studio versions distinct and polished.
Tarang has shared stages with acts like Peter Cat Recording Co. and the F16s, quickly carving out a niche as one of India’s most exciting indie voices. Liquid Sunshine is yet another shimmering, danceable reminder that music, at its best, is both an escape and a revelation. It’s summer in a bottle with a side of funk.
Follow Tarang here and listen to the EP below.
