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.