Naren's indie round-up/ Feb 2022 Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Gayatri Asokan ft Purbayan Chatterjee/ Saiyaan Mora

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Sitar exponent Purbayan Chatterjee has been conducting some interesting experiments in the fusion space. His latest composition is a thumri-meets-jazz jam sung by the talented Gayatri Asokan.

After a guitar intro by Rickraj Nath, Gayatri sings Priyani Vani's lines, "Saiyaan mora gaya pardes, khoj khabar naahi koi sandes". Drummer Darshan Doshi and keyboardist Nakul Chugh chip in.

Though the sitar-guitar interaction is smooth, one wishes there was more of the thumri part. With the emphasis on instrumental improvisation, the vocals shine only in short bursts.

Prajakta Savarkar-Shinde/ Avval

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

One regularly hears fresh voices in the field of ghazals. Though Prakajkta Savarkar-Shinde may have had some singing experience (one sees some YouTube videos of cover versions), this writer heard her the first time on her new 'Avval'.

She has a pleasant voice, suited for the medium, as she sings Zeeshan Niazi's lines, "Avval toh yaad hi nahin jaati hai aapki, tasveer toh har taraf nazar aati hai aapki". Though it's different, it reminds you of Chhaya Ganguli's Gaman song 'Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi'.

Music is by Ramavtar Dayama, who recently composed Poorva Guru's 'Jugnoo-on', reviewed last week. Sitar and sarangi are well-used and the 1980s influence is evident.

Anuradha Juju/ Mere Baare Mein

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Also in the ghazal format is Anuradha Juju's 'Mere Baare Mein', though it tilts towards the mainstream with its video, starring Puja Banerji (in picture) and Kunal Verma.

The composition by Rahul Ranade has a filmi flavour and good arrangements. Popular musicians like guitarist Chintoo Singh and tabla player Ojas Adhiya are part of the group.

Anuradha has a natural singing style. However, Vaibhav Joshi's lines "Mere baare mein sochte kyon ho, sochte ho toh roothte kyon ho" are the kind one has heard too often. Something new in lyrics would have been in order.

Karamvir Davla/ Rokda

Label: Audiolab Music

Rating: *

The description below the video tells you to listen to the best DJ rap song. Obey their orders and listen to 'Rokda', making sure you carry enough cottonwool and Dolo 650.

Featuring some make-up models and a singer who believes life revolves around money, honey, the song goes on like a welder during repairwork.

Karamvir Davla sings, "Bolta hai rokda, ro ro ro rokda" like he's reciting Faiz.  All you want to do is scream "Rokna".

31 Stars ft StarChildYeezo/ Catch a Vybe

Label: Snafu

Rating: *** 1/2

When Mumbai-based producers Aman Vanjani and Jay Punjabi met in London, they bonded over music and formed the duo 31 stars. Their single 'Catch a Vybe' also features Los Angeles-based musician StarChildYeezo.

It's an upbeat any-time, any-mood track with a contemporary global sound. Describing love at first sight, the words go, "Don't let this moment pass you by, cos' it's our time" and "It's all up to you, you make the first move".

The production standards are commendable, and the 'Catch a Vybe' hook has your feet tapping. A good beginning for the lads.