The multifaceted side project of jazz drummer Tarun Balani, Seasonal Affected Beats is a window into his soaring electronic compositions. This release in particular took root in New Delhi, while the city was enveloped in a suffocating blanket of pollution in 2019—informing its ominous tone. On stunning opener “Prelude”, a synth loop leads to a heady emotional crescendo. But vocals also take part, with pensive lyrics from KAVYA on the skittering synth-pop “Let the Light In”, or the spoken word on the twisted “Dr. Escher”, with each unique element easily melding into a cohesive whole.