Representing Manipur within northeast India, Ereimang is a folk metal, or naturecore, collaborative project led by music therapist Kamal Singh (Hoirong, Lounge Piranha). Last year, they debut the groovy, earthy single “Kwakta Lamjel,” including shoegaze drummer Jyotin Elangbam (Lo! Peninsula) and evoking the sounds of Alien Weaponry, DakhaBrakha, or Aarlon.
Keeping a similar gentle, yet heavy approach, their follow-up “Heirangkhoi (ꯍꯩꯔꯥꯡꯈꯣꯏ)” is a touching ballad of traditional manipuri folk, post-rock, and atmospheric alt-metal. Tonally melancholic, the track features vocalist Nganthoibi gracefully pondering the stages of life.
While compelling musically, the visuals conducted by H. Shantanu, Vibhash of Phigai, and Khaba Maimom as well as dancer Purnima Yengkokpam allow this single to truly stand out.