Naren's indie round-up/ Feb 2022 Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Maati Baani ft Shankar Tucker & Somashekar Jois/ O Re Jiya

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Led by vocalist Nirali Kartik and guitarist-composer Kartik Shah, Maati Baani has been one of the most eclectic groups on the Indian indie music scene, blending Indian classical and folk with western sounds.

Their new single 'O Re Jiya' features clarinetist Shankar Tucker and konnakol (spoken rhythm syllables) exponent Somashekar Jois among others. It starts off very well, with konnakol, bass, vocals and clarinet. Nirali's voice is melodious and the lyrics by Shruti Nayak have the earthiness and folk vibe.

Suddenly, the band tries to do too much. The Kannada rap by SIRI may sound good on its own, but seems like a lengthy intrusion here. The jamming in the second half is rather forced. Had the group stuck to the basic melody and improvised, the result would have been far better.

Mahalakshmi Iyer/ Shaam Mane

Label: Yogesh Rairikar Originals

Rating: *** 1/2

Mahalakshmi Iyer has been extremely prolific for well over two decades. Besides Hindi films like Dil Se, Mission Kashmir, Sur and Fanaa, she's sung numerous Tamil and Telugu songs, besides other languages.

Her latest release is a Mirabai bhajan, with music by Yogesh Rairikar. Mahalakshmi's voice is melodious, and Varad Kathapurkar's bansuri provides just the right accompaniment.

The opening words are "Shaam Mane chaakar rakho ji". Tabla is by Krishna Musale, and arrangements by Kamlesh Bhadkamkar. The tune has a very relaxing effect and grows on repeated listening. One only wishes there was more variety in the video shots.

Ruupa Raaman/ Yun Hi Hum

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

In 2014, Mumbai-based Ruupa Raaman had released Krisnaruupa, her debut album of her compositions. While that featured other singers, she has sung her new composition herself.

"Yun hi hum baithe rahein, khamoshi sehte rahein, nashe mein behte rahein", sings Ruupa, using raag Madhukauns. The words have been written by  Ruupa and Aajay K Chauhan, who penned the earlier album.

A highlight is the arrangement by Atul Raninga, with the late Pt Dhruba Ghosh appearing on sarangi and Sweekar Katti on sitar. The composition complements the loneliness and melancholy portrayed in the vocals.

Unmesh Banerjee/ The Journey 

Label: Self-released 

Rating; ***

The son of tabla exponent Sunil Banerjee of the Farrukhabad gharana, Unmesh Banerjee took to the instrument at a young age. His new album The Journey features five compositions named after their beat cycles.

The opening '11th Hour' is thus in a cycle of 11, with Farooque Latif Khan providing sarangi accompaniment. The other pieces are in 10, 9, 8 and 7 respectively.

Four of the pieces are in Hindustani style. On '8 AM Chennai Express', Unmesh uses Carnatic technique, and this number doesn't have sarangi, but has a temple effect. This is recommended listening for those who like percussion music.

Groovedarshan/ Namaste

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Groovedarshan is a new Mumbai-based quartet, which has just released its debut single 'Namaste'. The bass drives the sound, with improvisation by guitar, vocals, percussion and ambient effects.

The influence of western acts Khruangbin and Snarky Puppy is evident, but Groovedarshan has its own sound. Vocals and production by Aditya Ashwath are smooth, though one wishes the lyrics were longer. They sort of make a guest appearance here, but the use of laughter effects is interesting.

Joining Aditya on guitar and bass are Pankaj Tak and Yash Chittal. Drums are by Shabarish Garg. It's a good recording debut, and one looks forward to more.