Naren's indie round-up/ May 2022, Ep 4
BY NARENDRA KUSNUR
Raman Negi/ Mehroom
Label: Self-released
Rating: *** 1/2
Having quit the popular indie-rock band The Local Train, vocalist Raman Negi goes solo on 'Mehroom'. Collaborating with him on production is Gaurav Chintamani of Advaita.
Initial reactions hint at a toned down version of The Local Train, retaining the vocal style but missing Paras Thakur's riffs, Ramit Mehra's bass and Sahil Sarin's drums. But the song grows after a couple of listens, with Raman singing high-pitch on, "Awaaz de mujhe o mere aziz, qayamat ki shaam jab dhale".
The word 'mehroom' refers to a deprived person, and Maan Boruah's video has a dark look that goes along with it. While the song has its highs, one looks forward to more to see if Raman can break out of The Local Train shadow.
Label: Sony Music
Rating: ***
This song has been on heavy-duty promotion on Spotify, and one can understand the excitement. Singer-songwriter Aditya A has a pleasant voice and uses simple and minimal instrumentation to convey his expressions.
There are two versions - a video of two minutes and an extended one over four and a half minutes. The video, directed by Shivam Sharma, features Rajat Dakol, Anchal Sharma, a ukulele and a coffee cup. it's got a simplicity that's admirable.
The lyrics have lines like "Teri yeh chaand baaliyan, hain honton pe yeh gaaliyan, man ko mauka na diya, main toh tere peeche padh gaya". Obviously, it's aimed at young people in love.
Shaan/ Jee Lenge Hum
Label: Shaan Music
Rating: ***
Of late, there has been an overdose of songs on separation and its aftermath. Now we have one more by Shaan, but as one would expect, he puts in his own individual touch.
The lyrics are routine, however, with Mahimma Bhardwaj writing, "Tere bina jee lenge hum, jee lenge hum". Nitin Samadhiya's video, featuring Shaan and Rehmat Rattan, alternates between lonely beach shots, sad expressions and love-filled flashbacks.
The song's strength is its simplicity. Even though it's the same old story retold, Shaan adds some appeal.
Jugpreet Bajwa/ Sukoon
Label: Sun Le Music
Rating: *** 1/2
Some songs create an immediate impact with their pleasantness, and Jugpreet Bajwa's 'Sukoon' is one of them. Aided by just the right orchestration, with Mrinmoy Sarmah's music, the Indo-Canadian singer sings a tune that lingers on.
Lyricist Jagbir Bajwa begins with, "Tere kareeb aane se mujhe sukoon mil jaaye, mere armaanon ko abhi manzil mil jaaye". The keys and guitars embellish the tune.
Visually impaired since childhood, Jugpreet has been admired in talent shows. This song is an obvious feather in his cap.
trisha/ i'm tired
Label: Self-released
Rating: ***
It seems to be teen season in indie-land. After the success of 17-year-old Aditi Iyer's 'Deleted Your Number', we have 14-year-old trisha coming up with 'i'm tired' (artiste and track names stylised in lower case).
The lyrics are mature for her age, as trisha sings about monotony and boredom through the lines, "I'm tired, tired of the person that I have become, I'm tired of hoping for the best". Backed by simple piano, cello and violin, the result is praiseworthy.
trisha was born in Dubai, raised in Africa and the US, and now lives in Chennai. Going by the emotion in her song, her heart seems to be in the right place.
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