Naren's indie round-up/ Jan 2022 Ep 2

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Adam Avil/ Father

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer and guitarist Adam Avil has been on the Mumbai rock scene since the 1990s, and was part of the band Pralay. He's now released his new EP Doomed, containing four tracks.

The set opens with 'Father', written in memory of his father Justes Avil. It's an eight-minute song - which is rare these days. Beginning like a power ballad, it changes mood and tempo, with the guitars getting edgier.

After a melodic interlude, Adam changes the pace again, singing "I'm just a little boy with dreams in my eyes", with back-up vocals done smartly. The song has a prog metal vibe, aided by tight playing on bass and drums. Neat stuff.

Glenn Fernandes ft Sheldon Pereira/ Wouldn't You

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

On his new single 'Wouldn't You', composer Glenn Fernandes is assisted by vocalist Sheldon Pereira. It's a simple love song, with a pop-rock feel and singalong vibe.

The lyrics are pretty ordinary though, with lines like, "Wouldn't you hold me, wouldn't you kiss me, if I said I love you; wouldn't you squeeze me, wouldn't you please me, if I said I love you". A highlight is the dazzling guitar solo.

The video has been shot between Sweden and Goa. It has good scenic shots that go well with the song.

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Satish Raghunathan ft Karthika Vaidyanathan/ Dekhi Jaayegi

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singers Satish Raghunathan and Karthika Vaidyanathan get together on this ghazal duet penned by Saaveri Verma. It has a melodious matla in "Chhodiye ab jo ho dekhi jaayegi, yeh tang-dil duniya kya deke jaayegi".

Though over four minutes long, the written content is relatively less. Maybe more text was needed. While Manonmani's sarangi sets things in motion, there's good use of sitar, bansuri, acoustic guitar and tabla. The video shows the musicians in recording.

Both singers have pleasant voices, and coordinate well. Their style is suited for ghazals.

Satinder Sartaaj/ Kamaal Ho Gea

Label: T-Series

Rating: ***

Popular Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaaj has had regular releases since 2009. On his latest single 'Kamaal Ho Gea', he teams up with T-Series.

It's a simple Punjabi pop ballad, and Satinder's pleasant voice has the right expression. Composer Manan Bhardwaj uses strong rhythms but keeps the melodic instruments subtle.

The video, directed by Bhindder Burj, features actress Irwinmeet. Again, it has a simple subject about a couple beginning a relationship, and is something audiences can relate to.

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Kushal Chokhshi/ Lamhe

Label: Self-released, under licence to CollabStories.

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer Kushal Chokhshi has put out three songs on his new EP Bitter Sweet. The whole effort is a bitter-sweet experience of sorts. The first song 'Sabar' is average, and the last one 'Faasle' is confused.

The middle song 'Lamhe' is what caught our attention. While Kushal has no great vocal technique to boast of, and has a voice which isn't mature in the known sense, there's honesty and innocence in his singing that makes it likeable.

Munaf Luhar's lyrics talk of companionship and ever-lasting love. The instrumentation is just right, with appropriate arrangements. It's a song for couples, to enjoy their 'lamhe' together.