Naren's indie round-up/ Dec 2021 Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Thermal And A Quarter/ Inside Out

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

On first listen, this doesn't sound like the Thermal And A Quarter we know. Even singer Bruce Lee Mani sounds different. Instead of their familiar rock sound, the Bengaluru boys go in for a 1980s funk-dance-pop meets acid-jazz style reminiscent of Average White Band and Jamiroquai.

Yet, in its own genre, this song has been brilliantly done, with bassist Leslie Charles, saxophonist Gautam David and drummer Rajeev Rajagopal coordinating perfectly. The sax solo is stunning, the guitars by Tony Das are fluid and the vocal harmonies between Mani and Ananya Raja hold the tune tight.

The video shows studio shots of the musicians. This is more of a groove song than a lyrics song, and one doesn't really mind the flippancy of the words. It's an interesting, though slightly unexpected, way of celebrating the band's silver jubilee, and it showcases their derring-do.

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Rohan Solomon/ It's Christmas

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ** 1/2

One of the most consistent singer-songwriters on the Indian independent scene, Delhi-based Rohan Solomon has released the singles 'We Demand Change' and 'Set Me Free' this year. His latest song 'It's Christmas' brings in the festive mood.

It's a simple song with somewhat predictable lines like, "It's Christmas, it's the time of the year again when people come together, feeling a joy that it brings, wish it stays forever".

Rohan has a pleasant voice and easy compositional style in the pop-rock area. And though this song is punctuated by a crisp guitar solo, the overall result is a bit routine.

Nikhil D'Souza/ Desert Island 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

On his latest release, singer Nikhil D'Souza teams up with Grammy winning producer Martin Terefe. The song is on finding hope after coming out of a failed relationship.

Models Jagriti Jha and Mesty D'Souza join Nikhil in the slick video, directed by Cian Dias and Gaurav Saha. The words go, "If you hold me, I won't feel the silence, I won't see the grey skies".

Nikhil has a smooth delivery style when he sings in English. He's done his round of Hindi numbers too but the comfort levels in the former seem far higher. 'Desert Island' is another impressive outing.

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Bhaskar Das/ Joggers

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Hailing from Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad), Bhaskar Das learnt the bansuri from his father, clarinet exponent Pt Gopal Das, disciple of renowned flautist Pt Bholanath Prasanna. Besides classical concerts, he has been open to experimentation, playing with the fusion band Oorja.

Bhaskar's latest release 'Joggers' is based on raag Jog. It features tabla and composition by Udhai Mazumdar. Shot in Mumbai near the Taj Mahal Hotel and suburban beaches, the video has Bhaskar dressed in casuals, thus targeting the young audience.

The composition showcases his talent and brims with melody.

Palak Muchhal & RCR/ Chubhti Hai Saansein

Label: BCC Music Factory

Rating: ***

First noticed eight years ago for her Aashiqui 2 hits, Palak Muchhal has had a steady stream of playback songs. On her independent single 'Chubhti Hai Saansein', she teams up with composer-rapper-writer RCR.

The song is an angst-filled description of betrayal, with lines like "Koi sahe na jo maine saha". The song alternates between Palak's sweet vocals and RCR's hard-hitting rap, though there's a section where one feels the composition meanders.

Akshay Sood's video, starring Paras Chabbra and Mahira Sharma, follows the song's theme, though some parts get over-dramatic. However, with its filmi look, it should cater to the mass audience.