Naren's indie round-up/ Jan 2022, Ep 4


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Anand Bhaskar Collective/ Ufaq

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

After the catchy and popular 'Jaadoogari' last year, Anand Bhaskar Collective get into full-on Hindi-rock mode on 'Ufaq' (meaning, horizon). Driven by marvellous guitar riffs and motivational lyrics by Anand Bhaskar and Nidhi Sethia, they come up with a winner.

The song has great concert appeal, and audiences can sing along to the line, "Jeetna hai tujhe apne hi dam pe". In these trying times, the theme is inspirational, and the guitars, violin interlude and back-up solo lend a raw feel.

Besides Anand on vocals, the band comprises guitarist Hrishi Giridhar, bassist Neelkanth Patel and drummer Shishir Tao. The animated lyrics video by Mukund Sincro adds to the effect. This is killer stuff.

Shadow And Light/ Raahein

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Comprising singer-writer Pavithra Chari and producer-keyboardist Anindo Bose, Delhi-based Shadow And Light had released their third album Sabar in 2018. They've now come out with the single 'Raahein'.

The song is a light take on the situation of being away from a loved one. Some of the lines are, "Birha ki saari raatein katati yeh kyon nahin, tapti yaad teri baatein jalti hi rahe kahin".

Pavithra has a wonderful voice and good control over the nuances. With perfect arrangements, this song grows on repeated listening.

Dev Negi & Seepi Jha/ Sabki Baaratein Aayein

Label: Tips

Rating: ***

Over the past couple of years, we've heard numerous remakes of Hindi film songs for new films. Now, we have the case of Anu Malik's song from the 1999 movie Jaanam Samjha Karo being remade for a non-film video.

'Sabki Baaratein Aayein' keeps the wedding season in mind, and the song is catchy enough to be played at receptions and parties. Dev Negi and Seepi Jha sing this version, and reflect the song's fervour. Raaj Aashoo provides the new music arrangement, with Seepi tweaking the lyrics.

The video, featuring Zaara Yasmin and Parth Samthaan, seems like a leftover from an Aditya Chopra set. Basically, old wine in a new bottle, but something that gives you a high, albeit shortlived.

Vinay Kaushal/ Mind Games

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

The instrumental piece 'Mind Games' is part of the two-song EP Duality released by Pune guitarist Vinay Kaushal. It builds up beautifully, with intricate guitarwork, before Shirish Malhotra's saxophone suddenly joins in.

With a driving rhythm and a smooth flow, the tune impresses with its artistry. Vinay has an innovative approach to composition, and it shows once more.

The other song 'A Twisted Lullaby' is a bluesy acoustic number featuring Yamini Lavanian. "Learn to see who you want to be, it's the only way you'll ever be free", she sings. Vinay's guitar is subtle, embellishing the words perfectly.

Shashaa ft Keba/ In My Skin

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Among other songs across languages, India-born Canada-settled Shashaa Tirupati sang the sensuous A.R. Rahman composition 'Soja Soja' in the film 99 Songs. She's now set to release her own five-song EP I'm Sorry, Heart.

The first single 'In My Skin', released recently, features gentle acoustic guitar by Keba Jeremiah. "Feel you in my skin, I'm getting dizzy, we burn and our blood's changing colour like our crimson eyes", sings Shashaa.

The song has a haunting feel, and talks about how passion exists in the mind. We're awaiting the release of the rest of the EP.


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