Step into a sonic world where borders blur and cultures intertwine — this collection celebrates the innovative spirit of modern electronic and instrumental music across Asia and beyond. From hypnotic guitar-driven grooves and vintage-inspired electronica to futuristic ambient soundscapes and folk-meets-techno fusions, each track offers a glimpse into a different musical universe. What ties them all together is their shared sense of exploration — a fearless push toward new sounds, textures, and rhythms that reimagine tradition through contemporary expression.
Glass Beams — ‘Mahal’
‘Mahal’ is a psychedelic journey that uses haunting guitar melodies to create a hypnotising groove tied together with the smooth bass that brings out the eastern influence that stands out on their tracks. Being of Indian-Australian origin, the collective really emphasises their culture in this track as they fuse it with traditional western instruments such as electric guitars, jazz basses, and synthesizers.
Without any lyrics at all, ‘Mahal’ infuses funk between the Middle Eastern melodies, giving the track its infectious rhythm that makes it the perfect song to groove to. The ambient “ooh” sounds add intrigue to the track, evoking a sense of mystery and the fleeting nature of a mirage.
MALFNKTION — ‘Bombay Rhapsody’
Riding the wave of Indian artists, MALFNKTION’s ‘Bombay Rhapsody’ paints a musical canvas with a vibrant bout of unique samples and traditional instruments to create a sonic masterpiece that immerses the listener in the world of vintage Bombay.
The track samples old Hindi songs and film dialogues, giving it the nostalgia of a time of black-and-white TV. In addition to the dance-worthy electronic beats, there’s a touch of culture with the chimes of a harmonium keyboard—steeping this track in culture and heritage while still topping it off with the beats and energy of the 21st century.
Xin Lie — ‘Pangabisa (Muka)’
With its pulsating rhythms and evocative melodies, ‘Pangabisa (Muka)’ by Xin Lie redefines contemporary electronic storytelling. With his Indonesian heritage, Xin Lie ensures that the track highlights his roots with the instrumentals that go into creating ‘Pangabisa (Muka)’.
Drawing from his heritage, he incorporates self-recorded audio bytes of himself playing the traditional Sundanese instrument Dogdog, which is often a part of angklung ensembles. The deep drum beats blend perfectly with the electronic synths and hi-hats that are also prevalent in the song. The incorporation of the Dogdog gives the track the rich rhythmic depth that sets it apart from regular electronic beats.
JumbogoatXXL — ‘Groove Turismo’
‘Groove Turismo’ is a high-octane, danceable techno track crafted to get listeners moving from the very first beat. Its rapid tempo and driving rhythm instantly pull you onto the dance floor, while the intricate layering of synths gives it a timeless club classic vibe.
Blending modern electronic elements with the energy of classic techno, the track captures the spirit of today’s ravers, delivering an infectious groove that’s both familiar and distinctly unique. With his signature twist on the genre, the artist transforms ‘Groove Turismo’ into a vibrant celebration of rhythm, energy, and electronic ingenuity.
Mayurashka — ‘Cat Murmur’
'Cat Murmur' definitely sounds like a blast from the past with the bongo sounds layered with the hi-hats, creating a sound that’s reminiscent of the groove of the 80s. It definitely has an addictive beat that will make you want to get your boogie on. The synths add another touch of that retro charm to the track as the beats and melodies blend together and build up as more bass-heavy synth sounds add a sense of depth to the track.
As it progresses, the track evolves out of its 80s charm and steps into a futuristic vibe with ad-libs that make the track feel out of this world—almost like you’re travelling the cosmos in a cool spaceship.
RamonPang — ‘Brand Blvd’
'Brand Blvd' presents a laid-back yet incredibly infectious beat that feels dark and deep as it’s layered with instrumentals that replicate the sounds of an angklung, giving the track the ambient touch that juxtaposes with the mellow yet prominent techno influences.
The contrast between the ambient synths and rhythm gives the song the unpredictability that makes it a sonic landscape that is incredibly unique—making it something you’ll never be able to overplay, no matter how many times you’ve got this beat on loop.
Salamanda — ‘Mad Cat Party’
This track’s not really for the dog lovers, but if you love ambient instrumental music and you’re a feline fanatic, this one is definitely for you. Like the name says, ‘Mad Cat Party’ is a soft and dreamlike track that makes you feel as though you’re being hypnotised by a purring furball.
Featuring Ringo the Cat, the track is littered with echoey remixes of the cat’s purrs, making it sound like Ringo is freestyling a few verses on the track. The airy “meows” have a soothing and lulling quality to them that really draws in the listener. Mixed with the haunting melody, this track truly comes through with its otherworldly and whimsical sound.
INOYAMALAND — ‘GLASS CHIME’
Put on your strongest armour and get on your most noble steed as you ride through a beautiful meadow of wildflowers, ‘GLASS CHIME’ will take you all the way back to medieval times. The instrumentals sound like the soundtrack to the perfect folklore, as the chimes imitate the sound of a harpsichord—twinkling effortlessly and giving the track an almost magical quality.
The song is enigmatic and layered, and the whimsical nature of the song makes it extremely unique as it stands out from most ambient dreamlike tracks that take up the instrumental music space. The enchanting and beautiful melody invites listeners into a world that’s part fable, part folk-myth, part auditory dream.
Apichat Pakwan — ‘Lam Toey Pasom’
A part of a new and unique genre known as Esantronics, ‘Lam Toey Pasom’ combines Esan folk music with electronic instrumental music that breathes new life into heritage, making it enjoyable for the youthful generation—preventing them from rejecting their heritage and culture and instead helping them embrace it by adapting the music to their unique tastes.
‘Lam Toey Pasom’ uses a heavy hand to incorporate Esan folk music, giving the track an incredibly traditional sound with the infusion of instrumental music giving it a modern touch.
Yu Su — ‘Avanvera’
‘Avanvera’ masterfully intertwines iconic traditional Chinese instruments with ethereal, fluttering synths to create a soundscape that feels both ancient and futuristic. The track pulses with the rhythm of the Guzheng, whose rippling strings provide a dynamic heartbeat that syncs effortlessly with airy, shimmering synth layers.
This fusion results in an intricate interplay of textures—organic yet digital, structured yet fluid—that slowly unfolds into a meditative, ambient crescendo.
The prominent use of the Guzheng doesn’t just add a layer of depth but gives the composition a cultural richness and emotional gravity that elevates it far beyond a soft, delicate instrumental. Instead, ‘Avanvera’ becomes an immersive sonic experience—a dialogue between tradition and innovation, delicacy and depth, past and present.
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