Naren's indie round-up/ July 2022, Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Geetika Varde Qureshi/ Ek Musafir

Label: Self-released

Rating: *****

Almost 22 years later, one still listens to 'Nand', sung by Geetika Varde Qureshi in her husband, percussionist Taufiq Qureshi's album RhyDhun. Geetika has now written, composed and sung the track 'Ek Musafir'.

The song has a very soulful melody that keeps one glued through the eight-minute length. But it's the lyrics that really stand out, as recited Hindi lines are accompanied by printed text passages in English.

The line, "Ek musafir dhoondh raha hai, khuli palke moond raha hai" is preceded by the written text, "but what's yet to come can be a fresh weave". Of course, that's just a sample. The true depth and philosophy of the song can be grasped when heard in its entirety, as it talks of the power of music.

The production by Taufiq is perfect, and Dipesh Verma plays madal. The video, conceptualised by Kadambari Desai and shot by Taufiq, shows Geetika on her journey. Watch it a few times, and it grows.

Burudu ft Sukanya/ Zehaal-E-Miskeen 

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Electronica duo Burudu, comprising Sahil Bhatia and Nakul Sharma, take the qawwali route on their latest single. They are joined by vocalist Sukanya Chakraborty on a modern version of legendary poet Amir Khusro's 'Zehaal-E-Miskeen'.

Thus, sarangi, oud and tabla blend with electronic effects. Sukanya's voice mixes well with the production, and the track has a clubby flavour and a dynamic conclusion. 

Burudu and Sukanya have earlier collaborated on 'Indriya', whose live renditions are available on YouTube. It's a good team, and hopefully, they'll get together more often.

Siddharth Kasyap feat. Sumedha Karmahe, Mohammed Irfan, Raja Hasan/ MeherBaan 

Label; SK Music Works

Rating; *** 1/2

From creating tunes for the Perfect Amalgamation fusion concerts to composing pop tunes, Siddharth Kasyap has proved his versatility. He goes in for a catchy tune on 'MeherBaan', which impresses with its melodic pop lilt and Sufi-laced vocal harmonies.

Sumedha Karmahe's sweet texture is given perfect accompaniment by singers Mohammed Irfan and Raja Hasan. The harmonium and soprano sax provide good variety.

The video, directed by Aziz Zee, stars Terence Lewis and Sarah Anjuli. It goes perfectly with the tune and Raqueeb Alam's lyrics, which have lines like "Tu fasaana mera, tu kahaani meri". Simple and effective.

Nidhi Rawat/ Kal (I'll Do It Later)

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer-songwriter Nidhi Rawat has earlier released the original tracks, 'Kabhi Kabhi' and 'Tu Kahe'. Her latest song 'Kal (I'll Do It Later)' talks of procrastination.

The subject is something many people will relate to, specially if they have the habit of pushing things till later. Lyrics like "Saari baaton ko aaj rehne do, umr bhar hai aaj padhi" sum up the song's mood.

Nidhi presents the song in a semi-spoken style, which makes it different. Try and listen to it after you read this, instead of pushing the deed to tomorrow or even later.

Candy D'souza feat. Dean Sequeira, Ceeknowledge The Doodlebug/ Calling Out To You

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Candy D'souza's new composition 'Calling Out To You', is about the joys of falling in love. Singer Dean Sequeira begins with a rhythm n' bluesy falsetto, "I can see the sunshine in your eyes, hugs and early mornings feel so nice", as a finger-snap rhythm plays along.

A rap stretch by Ceeknowledge The Doodlebug adds a twist, and a jazz-funk flavour laces the backdrop. Guitarist Paresh Kamath, bassist Nathan Thomas and drummer Lindsay D'Mello provide the right atmosphere, with Candy on keys.

It's a feel-good song, shot as a live performance. As Dean sings, "That's what makes me fall in love with you baby", you'd want to sing along. The smooth blend of genres is an asset.