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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Toni Pinto ft Samantha Noella/ Will You Remember Me

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

This ballad's as beautiful as they come. Mumbai-based Samantha Noella sings pianist Toni Pinto's composition and Ernest Flanagan's lyrics, and the combination works just perfectly.

"But like a passing season, you left without a reason, leaving me wondering what I had done wrong, what am I to do", sings Samantha in her beautifully-controlled voice, before she asks, "Will you remember me as I remember you?"

While Pinto's gorgeous piano line holds the backdrop, bassist Vivian D'Souza and drummer Angelo Colasco firm up the rhythm section. It's a simple tune about heartbreak, written well, and is perfect to sing along to.

Alisha Chinai/ Chamkegaa India

Label: Zee Music Company 

Rating: ***

In 1995, Alisha Chinai's 'Made In India' became one of the biggest Indipop hits ever. Now, 27 years later, she releases 'Chamkegaa India', using precisely the same emotion as she sings, "Chamkegi chamekegi bindiya, chamkegaa chamkegaa India".

The song also reminds you of the Pardes hit 'I Love My India', but the line "London se America, Tokyo se Russia' takes you back to 'Made In India' mode. Don't be surprised if the 1995 song becomes your earworm.

Of course, master-composer Biddu makes way for Furkat Azamov, and there's no Milind Soman in the new video, which has a lavish, tourist site backdrop. The good thing is that Alisha, like almost always, has a catchy tune and good arrangements to her advantage. And the 1990s throwback may just work.

Padmini Roy/ Pyaar Ka Izhaar

Label: Ajivasan Sounds

Rating: *** 1/2

Padmini Roy has been singing regularly in jingles, films and non-film projects. Her latest song 'Pyaar Ka Izhaar' has been composed by Shankar Mahadevan.

It's a simple song exhorting people to be open about expressing their love. Lyricist Rahul Seth writes, "Khul ke yun pyaar ka haan karo izhaar, mujhe aake ek baar keh do na yaar". Ramon Ibrahim's production is commendable and the keyboard provides a good layering.

The video has a simple structure and relatable subject, showcasing different aspects of a woman's life. Padmini's pleasant voice goes perfectly with the mood.

Devika/ Dil Tenu

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Originally from New Delhi, San Francisco-based singer Devika has come out with 'Dil Tenu', a loungey Punjabi track which talks of love and heartbreak. The song has a soothing orchestral backdrop, with co-production by Jayhaan.

Devika has a folk-tinged voice and the tune sort of sticks to the listener. The video, showing plain outdoor shots, could have been more imaginative though - five still photographs would have done the job.

Yasser Desai & Neeti Mohan/ Iss Baarish Mein

Label: Saregama Originals

Rating: ***

Whether or not the actual rains have begun, it's raining views for Saregama Originals. Their latest song 'Iss Baarish Mein' had 934,000 YouTube views within five hours of its release.

Looks like the Indian population has nothing else to do than wait for the latest rain song. Sung by the talented Yasser Desai and Neeti Mohan, it has been composed by Ripul Sharma and written by Sharad Tripathi.

The tune is catchy, and the words are nostalgic. The main draw is Aditya Vinay Dutt's video which has TV stars Shaheer Sheikh and Jasmin Bhasin, besides a yellow umbrella. Wonder how many of the 934,000 viewers actually noticed the 'peeli chhatri'.