Alternative rock outfit Runt, led by acclaimed singer-songwriter/producer Siddharth Basrur, releases their long-awaited self-titled debut full-length album, ‘Runt’, a record that captures over a decade of songwriting, experimentation and lived experience in its most honest form.

While the project officially debuted with an EP titled ‘Rhymes With’in 2017, the origins of Runt stretch back to 2013, when Basrur began writing instrumental material alongside longtime collaborator Vishal J Singh.

"I'd written enough material for an EP by 2014, but it just didn't feel like the right time. I kept writing, and this album became the natural culmination of that journey” says Siddharth Basrur.

Runt is the alternative rock project of Mumbai-bred singer-songwriter Siddharth Basrur. Taking shape in 2013 and debuting with an EP in 2017, the project blends heavy alternative rock with hook-driven songwriting, combining aggressive instrumentation with deeply personal, observational lyricism. The self-titled debut album, Runt, marks the band's first full-length release and its boldest artistic statement to date.

Written almost entirely by Basrur, ‘Runt’ finds inspiration in everyday life rather than a singular concept. Across the album, he explores subjects ranging from the anxieties of approaching forty and the realities of creative work to delayed payments and self-deprecating humour. The result is an album that balances introspection with wit, offering songs that feel deeply personal while remaining instantly relatable.

Sonically, the album represents a significant departure from the band's earlier material. While Runt's debut EP leaned towards a polished, radio-friendly alternative rock sound, this albumembraces a heavier, rawer aesthetic without sacrificing memorable melodies.

"The vocal melodies are still very pop-influenced—you should be able to sing along—but the instrumentation is a lot more visceral and angry. I also pushed myself vocally in ways people probably haven't heard from me before" adds Basrur.

The album was written primarily in Basrur's home studio, with songs taking shape organically over several years. Instrumentals were often completed long before lyrics, with ideas carefully archived until the right combination emerged.

Production on the album also reflects the project's collaborative roots. Vishal J Singh contributed select musical ideas and played an instrumental role in shaping Basrur's early approach to music production, while former Runt guitarist Chandan Raina, who was part of the band between 2019 and 2025, mixed the album and added additional guitar layers that helped elevate several tracks.

Among the record's standout moments is Pay Up Or Die; its climactic ending was inspired by the outro of Thorough.Modern by American post-hardcore band Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, a rare example of a direct musical influence on the album.

Drawing inspiration from artists as diverse as Slipknot, Bahamas and Death Cab for Cutie, Basrur has crafted an album that reflects the breadth of his musical tastes while remaining unmistakably his own. Throughout ‘Runt’, soaring vocal hooks meet crushing guitars, creating a record that is equal parts melody and catharsis.

Today, Basrur divides his time between Mumbai and the outskirts of Bengaluru. With a revitalised live lineup and a catalogue finally catching up to years of songwriting, Basrur sees ‘Runt’ as the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Powerful, melodic and refreshingly unfiltered, ‘Runt’ captures an artist embracing instinct over expectation. It's an album built from life's everyday frustrations, observations and fleeting moments, designed for long drives, workouts, late-night listens and anyone looking for a soundtrack that hits as hard emotionally as it does sonically.

"More than anything, I hope this album gets people to our shows. These songs were made to be experienced live" signs off Basrur.

Release Information:

Artist: Runt

Album: Runt

Format: Full-length album

Genre: Alternative Rock / Hard Rock

Released on: 8th August 2026

Photo - Abhishek Gupta