Naren's indie round-up - Nov 2021, Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Various artistes/ Through Her Eyes

Presenter: Zubaan

Rating: *** 1/2

Nine artistes from the north-eastern states come together on 'Through Her Eyes', singing in Ao-Naga, Assamese, Chokri-Naga, English, Khasi and Meiteilon. The project has been curated and designed by Anungla Zoe Longkumer, who's also one of the singers along with Tipriti Kharbangar, Tetseo Sisters, Sunita Bhuyan, Moreanla Ao and Mangka.

Composed and produced by Mhaseve MKT Tetseo, the song aims to pay poetic tribute to nature and environment with the lines, "Mother Nature it is time we will learn to sing your song loud and clear". The video, edited by Imchatsung Imchen, thus has the singers shot against the backdrop of rivers, hills, forests and open greenery.

The blend of north-eastern folk and western arrangements is just right, with the song beginning with Sunita's violin. The sub-titles add value to the visuals, though the ending seems abrupt.

Folk Masti/ Kahaniya

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

There's a very pleasant vibe about both the melody and video of Mumbai group Folk Masti's new song 'Kahaniya'. While the words talk of 'gumsum si zindagi ki kahaniya', the video shows men in scarves playing music next to a flowing stream, a bonfire in front and pine trees and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

The group comprises vocalist-guitarist Vipul Panchal, keyboardist Samadhan Guldagde and percussionist Roshan Aade on cajon, with Rahul Chavan shooting the video.

The song has an easy melody and simple arrangements, spreading the word that life is full of stories that need to be shared. A nice guitar interlude and melodica part add to the 'masti'.

Biki & His Buddies/ All On The Road

Label: Self-released/ Songdew

Rating: ****

Talking of stories, there's this wonderful song by Biki & His Buddies which goes, "The world seems to be crowded with strangers, and if you look closely you'll find so many stories".

The brainchild of singer-songwriter Sarbik Guha, Biki creates a simple guitar-driven track which talks of a person's thoughts before going to work. Besides the sheer melody, it has marvellous words like, "one thing that raindrops cannot do is to wash away life's irony".

The song talks of a "ragged girl on the sideway", "passengers pushing and yelling for space" and a world "crowded with strangers". In other words, the songwriting is very relatable and brilliant.

Tauseef Akhtar/ Yeh Rang Ashkon Ka

Presenter: Sabrang International

Rating: *** 1/2

One of the most talented ghazal singers on the scene, Tauseef Akhtar has compiled Intekhaab, a collection of eight live performances. He is releasing one video every week, and has begun with 'Yeh Rang Ashkon Ka'.

Shot at a concert in Slough, UK, in January 2020, this ghazal has been written by Kaleem Aziz. The matla is, "Yeh rang ashkon ka, jo laal laal hai pyaare; dikha raha hai kya dil ka haal hai pyaare".

The song uses guitar, flute, keyboard and tabla. Tauseef's voice is soothing and his command over the nuances perfect.

Hridayam/ Udna Hai Mujhe

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Comprising vocalist-songwriter Aishwarya Tiwari and drummer Subham Chand Sahu, Hindi-rock outfit Hridayam has released its new single 'Udna Hai Mujhe'. As the title suggests, it's a motivational song which talks of aiming for new heights.

Beginning with smooth guitar lines, the song has typical lyrics like, "Kaanton se na dar hai, zakhmon se be-asar hai". With its intermittent guitar parts and sing-along choruses, the song has the perfect concert feel. 

Hridayam had earlier released the single 'Safar', which was about travel. Focusing on young, adventurous people, songwriter Aishwarya seems to have his target in place.