Mumbai-based alternative rock band Runt return with their brand-new single Smashing Souls, released on 26^th October, 2025. The track marks the band’s fourth single ahead of their much-anticipated full-length debut album. The release coincides with Runt’s live performance at G5A, Mumbai, as part of the Big City Spiral gig series.

Built on fuzz-soaked riffs and pop-forward melodies, Smashing Souls is as catchy as it is self-reflective. The song takes its name from a tongue-in-cheek nod to a spat between Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) and Ed Roland (Collective Soul), while lyrically exploring themes of self-doubt, burnout, and artistic reinvention. “The lyrics are about being the architect of my own creative demise,” says frontman Siddharth Basrur, who wrote the song during the pandemic.

Produced and engineered by Basrur himself, the single was mixed and mastered by guitarist Chandan Raina. It follows the release of Too Smart (October 2024), Racecar (April 2025), and Like Jello, Only Stickier (May 2025) and adds to the momentum building toward Runt’s debut album.

Formed in 2014 by Basrur, Runt has evolved from a solo experiment into a full-fledged band known for their hook-heavy songwriting and dynamic live shows. The current lineup features Siddharth Basrur (guitar, vocals), Chandan Raina (guitar), Deep RK (bass), and Jeremy D’souza (drums).

Since their 2017 debut EP ‘Rhymes With’—named one of Rolling Stone India’s Best Indie EPs of the Year—Runt have continued to carve out a unique space in India’s alternative rock scene. Their 2020 instrumental single Last Breath also landed on Rolling Stone India’s Top Singles of the Year.

With Smashing Souls, Runt channels their love for ‘90s alt-rock—citing influences such as The Posies, Helmet, Soundgarden, and Smashing Pumpkins—into a track that balances radio-friendly melodies with heavier textures.

Runt began as a creative outlet for Siddharth Basrur in 2014, before evolving into a collaborative band project. Their debut EP Rhymes With (2017), received widespread acclaim, followed by the instrumental single “Last Breath” (2020). With a growing discography of bold and thoughtful alt-rock songs, Runt continue to push their sound forward with their upcoming debut full-length album.

Lineup:

Siddharth Basrur – Guitar, Vocals Chandan Raina – Guitar

Deep RK – Bass

Jeremy D’souza – Drums

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