Bahrain-based band OFFtrack have released their debut album ONSRA.

An alternative-electronic band formed in 2019, OFFtrack came out with their first single, Too Dumb For Your Guns, almost two years ago. It focused on how war can destroy generations, not only physically but emotionally and mentally too, and was extremely well received among critics and fans. OFFtrack have now globally released ONSRA, their first EP.

From the Boro language of North-Eastern India, Onsra refers to that bittersweet moment when you love for the last time or the realisation that love won’t last. This is an album about love, hope, resignation, desperate optimism and also failing at all levels simultaneously. The tracks are inspired by personal experiences and hopes.

The tone is dark and misty with vivid dance elements; a melancholic dance album for people who are too anxious to boogie, if you will. The album is written and composed by Sumit Sharma, who formed OFFtrack and handles the electronic arrangement, drums and synths for the band, with Sara Al Sayed’s arresting vocals, Sean Aaron’s sinuous guitars and Ryan James’ baselines, which hold the grounds together. Xenai’s vocals feature on Inadequate and Vishnu Pillai’s on She. Influenced by the sound of post-punk crossed with Trip Hop classics, OFFtrack’s melodies can be described as coated in a dystopian mist, full of scattered drums with melodic bass lines, ear worm synths, intricate guitars and vocal melodies.

Speaking about ONSRA, Sumit, who produced the album along with Vishnu Pillai, said: “It might make you cry, it might make you dance, it might be a warm hug in these testing times. Whatever it will be, it will live on like any art and music, because in the tough times of our lives, it was music that saved us.” ✤

GO: FOLLOW @OFFTRACK__ ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VISIT THE LINK IN THEIR BIO TO LISTEN TO ONSRA.