Naren's indie round-up/ Aug 2022, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Vasuda Sharma feat. Layth Sidiq/ Believe

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Singer Vasuda Sharma, who started her career with the Channel V-promoted band Aasma, has been doing some interesting collaborations. After teaming up with Delhi-based Arnav Maggo on 'Tere Bina', she has now released the track 'Believe' with US-based Iraqi-Jordanian violinist Layth Sidiq.

The song, which has a new age/ loungey vibe, talks of the power of self-belief. "Do you believe in the birds that fly, do you believe in the colour of the, of the sky?" asks Vasudha, lacing the song with a lot of imagery.

Layth's violin-playing is brilliant, acting as a perfect foil to the vocals and Jack Haigh's acoustic guitar. The video, shot amidst natural surroundings by Pamela Hersch, adds value to this wonderful song.

Nisa Shetty, Simetri Sisters, Heat Sink/ Rollercoaster

Promoted by: Nexa Music 

Rating: ** 1/2

Nexa Music has begun its Season 2 with 'Rollercoaster', with music and lyrics by the experienced Mikey McCleary. The singers are Nisa Shetty, the Simetri Sisters and members of Heat Sink, all super-winners of Season 1. A R Rahman has curated the exercise.

The idea was to create a foot-stomping dance track with a futuristic video directed by Sahil Shah. So far, so good. The problem is that there's too much happening at the same time, both in vocals and instrumentation. The song just meanders, and appears overcrowded.

The plus points are the catchy hook, the part with the Simetri Sisters and Hardik Rana's choreography. But they should have stuck to simple bhel puri, instead of mixing it with dahi batata puri and ragda patties.

Adnan Sami/ Alvida

Label: Saregama Originals

Rating: *** 1/2

After creating a buzz on Instagram with his 'Alvida' post, Adnan Sami has released a song with that title. This comes two years after he released the likeable 'Tu Yaad Aya'.

The tune is trademark Adnan, both in terms of composition and vocals, and fans are likely to play it on loop. Kausar Munir's main lines are, "Alvida, alvida, alvida, na hui tu hamari to kya; Alvida, alvida, alvida, hum toh tere rahenge sada". Simple and effective.

The video, directed by Ritika Bajaj, stars Adnan and Sarah Khatri. Routine fare, nothing to rave about. Luckily, the tune stays with you, refusing to say 'alvida'.

Sraboni Chaudhuri/ Chhupaoon Lakh

Label: Self-released

Rating: ****

In her latest ghazal 'Chhupaoon Lakh', Sraboni Chaudhuri begins by singing about how one can't be secretive about being in love. It's based on traditional poetry, and her guru Shobha Gurtu sang it in another tune.

While Sraboni has composed the tune herself, Sudeep Banerji has arranged the music. Flute, violin, guitar and tabla form the main instrumental structure. Atul Taishete's video stars Manas Adhiya and Jinal Jain, who plays a visually-impaired lady.

Though the ghazal contains some chaste Urdu words, the meanings are given in the YouTube notes. One of the brilliant shers is "Meri deewangi pe hasnewalon, yeh bhi socha hai, tamasha dekhnewala, tamasha ho hi jaata hai". Sraboni's expressive singing brings out the depth of the words.

Maati Baani feat. Salim Khan/ Maarag

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

There's been a dedicated following for Rajasthani folk music, specially that played by the Manganiars of Jaisalmer. One of their talented singers, Salim Khan, joins popular outfit Maati Baani on a rendition of Mirabai's 'Maarag'.

Vocals are shared by Khan and Nirali Kartik of Maati Baani. Kartik Shah has worked on production and arrangement. Here, traditional Rajasthani instruments kamaicha and kartaal are played alongside guitar, bass and cajon.

The song is part of a collaboration between Maati Baani and the Culture Lab. The aim is to showcase music by different tribes in the Thar desert. Looking forward.