Naren's indie round-up/ May 2022, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Arrows ft The Lightyears Explode/ Hello Cheater

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

In his project Arrows, Mumbai-based musician David Britto collaborates with different artistes. After teaming up with singers Siddharth Basrur and Raghav Meattle in earlier songs, he is now joined by The Lightyears Explode on 'Hello Cheater'.

The song's title is self-explanatory, and the lines "Hello cheater, can you guess who? It's your conscience talking to you" open the song. While David has written and composed the track, vocalist-guitarist Saurabh Roy and bassist Shalom Benjamin do neat jobs.

The video, directed by Blake D'Silva, features Christina Lobo, Aniruddh Shenoy and Kirsten Varela. Like Blake's earlier video for the Arrows-Basrur track 'Buried To Dust', this is crisp and classy.

Zarir Marfatia ft Sahir/ Seen And Heard

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 

In his earlier songs, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Zarir Marfatia has always displayed a strong sense of lyrics. That trait continues on his latest track 'Seen And Heard'.

The difference this time is that he includes a rap stretch with Sahir Doshi joining him on composition and lyrics. The rap comes pretty late in the song, and works as a smart twist.

After the opening chorus "Everyone wants to be seen and heard", Zarir's pleasant voice takes over on lines like, "So many ways that people live their lives, some live it large, others just survive" and "I wish I saw the world through other people's eyes sometimes". Karan Jhaveri's production goes perfectly with the words. A word of praise for Kenrick D'Cunha's artwork too, as it brings out the song's mood.

Naisha Bhargabi/ No Lie

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Besides modeling, writing and DJing, Naisha Bhargabi has also been involved in the independent music scene. Her debut EP Back & Forth has two songs - 'No Lie' and the title track.

'No Lie' has a club-friendly sound and Nate08's production makes good use of keyboards and rhythms. The song talks of ups and downs in a relationship, and is relatable to the younger generation.

Mohit Mukhi's video may offer nothing new in terms of subject, but it's been treated well, and Naisha's screen presence and moves give it a fillip. The song's hook adds to the vibe.

Kavita Krishnamurti & Sonu Nigam/ Jeevan Hai Kya

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

In the Hum Dono series, Kavita Krishnamurti has been singing songs composed by her husband Dr L. Subramaniam. The latest is a duet with Sonu Nigam.

Sameer Anjaan has penned the lyrics which begin, "Jeevan hai kya kisne jaana, kohra sa hai sapnon ka jahaan". The song, whose video has been shot in a studio, has a retro feel and pleasant melody, and a saxophone stretch by Premik Russell Tubbs adds a melodic twist.

A year ago, Kavita and Sonu had teamed up on the song 'Tum Ho Kahaan', penned by Javed Akhtar. Both songs remind us of the numerous film collaborations of the two singers.

Jupiter Trap/ Mortal Drop

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

Jupiter Trap is the brainchild of composer-guitarist Rachit Sachdeva, who teams up with drummer Gino Banks, bassist Vivian D'Souza and keyboardist Aditya Jayakar on the instrumental piece 'Mortal Drop'.

The term 'mortal drop' can mean a drop of human blood, or a drop in population. Inspired by that, the tune explores dark and ambient structures, using synths and guitars effectively.

Interestingly, popular bassist Sheldon D'Silva plays a different role, mixing and mastering the track. For his part, Rachit creates a tune that has its moments of virtuosity and smart thematic changes. The artwork is a bit drab though.