Naren's indie round-up/ March 2022, Ep 5

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Viv&Shaz/ Gimme Some Of That

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Singers Vivienne Pocha and Shazneen Arethna have been well-known and prolific on the Mumbai circuit. The two of them now get together on the single 'Gimme Some Of That' under the name Viv&Shaz.

On first hearing, one waits for them to display their vocal range and sing deep lyrics. But they obviously have other ideas. They keep the lyrics to the minimum single line, vocalise a bit and come up with a fun, foot-tapping number.

Produced by Warren Mendonsa, the song has a catchy tune that keeps you happy and humming, and the guitars add to the peppiness. It may not be vintage Vivienne or Shazneen but don't think too much about that. Enjoy the quick ride.

Prateek Kuhad/ Just A Word

Label: Elektra Records

Rating: ***

Popular singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad has announced that his new album The Way That Lovers Do is scheduled for release on May 20 on the globally prestigious Elektra Records (ah that doesn't make him indie any more). He's released the single 'Just A Word' to begin with.

Prateek has had huge hits like 'Cold/ mess' and 'Kasoor', but he's tended to stick to the formula on his recent tracks. This one is no exception as he sings lines like, "Did you see me, and feel me, did your body deceive me, can you heal me before our lips entwine?"

On its own, the song has a few highs like the pleasant melody, keyboard back-up and well-constructed harmonies. However the video by Alex de Marco is too routine. One looks for the rest of the album, hoping he shows some variety on some of the other 10 songs.

Mohit Chauhan & Nikhita Gandhi/ The Live-In Song 

Label: Saregama Originals 

Rating: ** 1/2

As the title suggests, this song is about live-in relationships. "Kyon shubh vivaah, kyon saat phere" go the opening lines. Interestingly, the song has been written by Javed Akhtar, who caters to the young crowd with a mod outlook on the one hand, but is likely to ruffle a few feathers on the other.

The pop-rock song has been composed by Shameer Tandon, and sung by Mohit Chauhan and Nikhita Gandhi, with back-up vocals by Siddharth Basrur and Shishir. Warren Mendonsa comes up with some sizzling solos and Jai Row Kavi chips in with drums. While Mohit rocks, Nikhita jars on the middle part.

The video, directed by Aditya Vinay Datt and starring Ehan Bhat and Bibriti Chatterjee, goes with the theme, featuring bikes, guitars, denim and romantic close-ups. The target audience is cleanliness, though lines like, "Yeh saare kachche dhaage hain" and "Jhoothi hai duniya ki saari rasmein" are not likely to please the purists. There will be debate, or maybe that was the idea.

The Atlas Project/ Mehki Hawa

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

On their debut single 'Mehki Hawa', Mumbai-based The Atlas Project has come up with a pleasant tune, with guest Ashish Kulkarni on vocals. Though the word 'Mehki' means fragrant, it is also used as the name of a bird.

The animated black n' white video this tells the story of Mehki. The song talks of how one can embark on a new journey after losing one's path midway. The lyrics are simple, with lines like "Mehki hawa yoon, yahin kahin, gum ho gaya hoon, yahin kahin".

It's a pleasant song with smooth guitars. Ashish's voice does perfect justice. One looks forward to more from this group.

B Praak/ Ishq Nahi Karte 

Label: DRJ Records 

Rating: ** 1/2

According to his Wikipedia page, Emraan Hashmi has no releases this year after three flops in 2021. We saw him in Jubin Nautiyal's video 'Lut Gaye' last year, and now he appears on the new B Praak song.

'Ishq Nahi Karte' has lyrics by Jaani, and the line "Tum ishq nahin karte bus baate karte ho" has been repeated a few times. The word "ishq" is pronounced 'isskk' - maybe they thought it would sound more heartfelt that way. There's something loud abou the song that makes you squirm.

The video, co-starring Sahher Bambba and Rubal Shekhawat, talks about two girls, a pregnancy, a vanishing boyfriend and 'nice guy' Emraan. Maybe his film scripts never left him.