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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Easy Wanderlings feat. Nikhil D'Souza/ Mayflower

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

An eight-member collective from Pune, Easy Wanderlings is known for its introspective lyrics and smooth blend of pop, soul and folk. Its latest track 'Mayflower' features guest vocalist Nikhil D'Souza, whose texture suits the song.

Written and composed by founding member Sanyanth Naroth, the song is from the upcoming EP Caught In A Parade. That title is actually part.of the lyrics, as Nikhil sings, "When I awake I'm caught in a parade, where we wait and worry in vain".

The song focuses on jealousy and the feeling that things could have been better. The smooth build-up, Sharad Rao's guitar lines and the string arrangements are first-rate, and the video by Malay Vadalkar and Sanyanth has been marvellously shot. Top stuff here.

Rahul Advani/ Ready To Breathe

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Raised In Singapore and based in Bengaluru, singer-songwriter Rahul Advani's debut single 'Ready To Breathe' talks of breaking free. "I need a little bit of inspiration, I need a little peace of mind", he begins.

The sound seems inspired by 1980s pop and Motown, with some contemporary flavour thrown in. Singers Tejas Menon and Mali chip in on backing vocals, and the guitars add vibrancy, with the brisk solo towards the end.

Vidyuth Gargi (in picture) appears in the video, directed by Waiqi Chuah, with Rahul. It talks of the challenges of a call centre employee while working from home. It's something that young employees should relate to.

Shadow And Light feat. Salim Merchant/ Tu Kaun Hai

Label: Merchant Records 

Rating: *** 1/2

Comprising vocalist Pavithra Chari and producer Anindo Bose, Delhi-based duo Shadow And Light have released their new single 'Tu Kaun Hai'. Salim Merchant joins on vocals around the three-minute mark.

The electronic arrangements blend well with the voices. The words, written by Pavithra and Shraddha Pandit, are 'Tu kaun hai yeh toh bata", as the song talks of the positive influence somebody can have.

Tushar Mahajan's video is shot in the studio, and goes well with the audio. The song has a groove and a vibe that grow on you.

Asim Riaz/ Jeene De

Label: Aatma Music

Rating: ***

Jammu boy Asim Riaz has dabbled in acting, modeling and singing. His latest track 'Jeene De' sees him exploring the desi rap field.

The song, written and sung by Asim, is filled with anger, talking of "jhoothe log, jhoothe vaade, jhoothi kasme" and making a call to let live. Roach Killa's music complements the rap.

The video is predictable with all those swanky cars, cigars and girls in black numbers. Though Asim dances well, a more innovative script would have been welcome. But after his romantic 'Piya Re Piya' some months ago, this is an interesting change.

Milind Date/ Waiting For You

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

A disciple of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, flautist Milind Date has released many albums for meditation and relaxation. 'Waiting For You' is the opening track of his album Bansuri Lounge, which is themed around a romantic journey.

The tune has a beautiful bansuri melody, and the subtle acoustic guitar and soft rhythms give it a nice groove. There's a certain romance in the piece that makes it attractive.

The tunes on the album are not raag-based but use a modal route. 'Waiting For You' just sets the tempo, and this album is ideal for a relaxed evening, long drive or candlelight dinner date.