Naren's indie round-up - Nov 2021, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Hitesh Rikki Madan ft Ariv Madan and Advay Madan/ Aao Naa

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

As guitarist of Euphoria and frontman of EKA, Hitesh Rikki Madan has been a known name on the Delhi circuit. On 'Aao Naa' he forms a trio with his young sons Ariv and Advay, with all taking turns in singing.

A simple guitar-based song, 'Aao Na' has a simple melody and singalong lyrics, written by Hitesh and Manish Dhawan. As a family effort, it works well, with Ariv playing bass and 12-year-old Advay on percussion.

Vishesh Verma's video uses outdoor shots capturing woody locales and cloudy skies. Overall, it's a pleasant outing.


When Chai Met Toast/ Yellow Paper Daisy

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Popular Kochi band When Chai Met Toast released its much-awaited album When We Were Young last week. This new single 'Yellow Paper Daisy' doesn’t feature on it but comes independently.

The song bubbles with melody, and seems inspired by early Beatles with its simple romantic lines that talk of "falling in love again". Vocalist Ashwin Gopakumar sounds brilliant.

And yes, there's Vikas Vasudevan's gorgeous video, capturing a couple's journey in Kerala. The sound and look complement each other perfectly. It's the kind of stuff you want to watch on loop.


Ishaan Ghosh/ Wander

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***


On his new track 'Wander', tabla exponent Ishaan Ghosh improvises on a seven-beat rhythmic cycle. He uses harmonies from different tabla scales to create the canvas.

The slow build-up of cross-rhythms and use of minimalistic bass are some of the highlights of this piece.

The grandson of tabla great Pt Nikhil Ghosh and son of sitar and tabla maestro Pt Nayan Ghosh, 20-year-old Ishaan carries the rich legacy forward. While his focus is on classical music, he explores other sounds with Araj, a group he formed with young musicians.


Meghana Bhave Desai/ Ayigiri Nandini Nanditha Medhi

Label: Panorama Music Spiritual

Rating: *** 

This is a 15-minute recording of 'Ayigiri Nandini Nanditha Medhini', a stotram addressed to Goddess Mahishasur Mardini, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Meghna Bhave Desai sings the lead vocals with Manisha Ojha and Anulaxmi on back-up.

Ratnadeep has directed the music, and the instruments include sitar, bansuri and percussion. Lyrics are in Sanskrit, and displayed on the YouTube link.

The production is commendable, and the stotram provides a spiritual atmosphere.


Kaanchan Sawant/ Oo Yaara

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2


On her debut single 'Oo Yaara', singer Kaanchan Sawant creates an impact with her voice texture and range. What's creditable is that she has composed the song and written the lyrics herself.

The words go, "Oo yaara, laut ke aana, dil chaahe tujhko hi paana", and Kaachan renders them expressively. Samruddha R.K.'s production suits the melody, which has mild semi-classical influences.

The video has a simple theme of a girl and her mother. It's a song that stays with you, and the singer's sincerity is evident.

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