Prateek Kuhad's new EP cold/mess is high on heartwrenching lyrics

Prateek Kuhad

The first time I heard the songs on Prateek Kuhad's new EP cold/mess was in January 2018, as he opened for American singer-songwriter Mike Posner. The venue's sound was wonky, Kuhad's vocals were muffled, his on-stage persona a bit non-existent, and the whole experience, a bit of a let-down. That was even more painfully clear when Posner took the stage and blew everyone away with his stage presence and clear, melodious vocals. But even then, the merit in the songs shone bright.

Listening to cold/mess now (which has been recorded in Nashville), I am impressed by the Delhi-based singer-songwriter's innate talent for making you feel. His voice has a raw quality that makes you believe he feels every note, every word. His lyrics - "And I wish I could leave you my love; But my heart is a mess; My days they begin with your name; And nights end with your breath; I wish I could leave you my love; But my heart is a mess" - are relatable and oh-so-real. He really has a knack for writing down what's in your heart.

The EP starts with with you/for you - "Yeah you seem to be okay, Your sweet taste in my mouth stays" - and that's one of my favourites. It's got that easy listening vibe, that you would play on a road trip as you gaze out with your feet on the dashboard. Did you/fall apart will make you cry (heartbreak is a universal emotion, after all) and cold/mess make you think of all those nights spent with the one who just isn't ever the right one. For your time is the upbeat offering, along with Fighter as well and the popular 100 Words (whoever attends Kuhad's gigs regularly will know the song), is a perfect ending to the EP.

All in all, Kuhad warms our heart with his vocal stylings, and his haunting, mesmersing tunes. And even though we may not be a fan of his live gigs (which we feel are works in progress), or his reclusive nature as an artist (we were told a face-to-face Facebook live when he was in India next was next to impossible, hence this review), we can't but help but remain in awe of him and his music. And maybe for a musician, that is enough.

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