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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Rashmeet Kaur ft Nikhil Kotibhaskar/ Raen Gayee

Label: Self-released

Rating: ****

Delhi-based singer Rashmeet Kaur is known for doing contemporary versions of Punjabi folk songs, and had done her take on the popular 'Bajre Da Sitta' last year. In 2019, she had released 'Musafir' based on Baba Bulleh Shah's Sufi poetry.

Her new YouTube song 'Raen Gayee' is a cutting-edge rap adaptation 'Musafir'. While Rashmeet does the Hindi rap and Sufi inspired part, Nikhil Kotibhaskar sings the male rap.

The words "Raen gayee sab kho gaye taare, ab to jaag musafir pyaare" have a melodic air that makes you sing along. Rashmeet's composition and producer Pranay Parti's sound are very party-friendly, and in terms of classification, 'Sufi-rap' seems ideal.

Brodha V/ All Divine

Label: Self-released

Rating: ****

Bengaluru-based Brodha V is one of the most innovative and versatile hip-hop artistes in the country. Check out his 'Vaishnava Jana To', 'Flex' and Kannada rap song 'Aaraam', which all are in different spheres.

His latest song 'All Divine', featuring guest artiste Steve Knight, has him rapping in English, with Malayalam verses thrown in. It's a powerful song about how one overcomes struggle to look at life with optimism.

The words go, "We are blessed to live this life, dancing in the light, let the music take you high, and find your peace inside". They're much-needed these days. And with that catchy hook, this one's a winner.

Brent Tauro ft Craig Chester, Micah & Sinetri/ Premonitions 

Label: Self-released

Rating; *** 1/2

There's more in the hip-hop space with Mumbai-based producer Brent Tauro releasing 'Premonitions'. Doing rap duty are Craig Chester and Micah Bedford, with sister duo Simetri singing the chorus.

It's a fun song with a catchy hook and plenty of harmonies. The transitions between the male rap parts and female vocals are done smoothly, and Craig and Micah's different textures lend variety.

The composition is well-layered, making it grow after a few listens. With its driving rhythms and classy production, 'Premonitions' is worth a check.

Poorva Guru/ Jugnoo-on'

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Hailing from Bhopal and settled in Hyderabad, Poorva Guru has made a mark in the ghazal genre with her soulful singing. Her latest release 'Jugnoo-on' sees her in good form again.

Words are by Narendra Pareek who uses the matla "Jugnoo-on ke noor se woh ghar mila hai, tab kahin jaakar mujhe dilbar mila hai". Ramavatar Dayama's composition uses sitar, bansuri, guitar and tabla, with Rishikesh Soni handling arrangement.

The four-and-a-half-minute song has two additional couplets, with Poorva displaying good command and technique.

Mame Khan/ Darare Dil

Label: Saregama Originals

Rating: ***

Known for Rajasthani folk, singer Mame Khan gets into mainstream territory on 'Darare Dil', a song about two lovers having issues. The singing thus has words of pain, with Ankit Charan writing, "Tere bina sooni sooni raatein mere, tere bina din tanha guzre".

A highlight is the video directed by Aditya Vinay Datt, and shot in Dehra Dun and Tehri. Rohan Mehra, son of late actor Vinod Mehra, and Digangana Suryavanshi play the estranged couple.

The strong percussion and string section go well with the singing. However one wish they had cut down on the number of times the line 'Darare Dil' is sung. Those portions stretch.