Naren's indie round-up/ Oct 2022, Ep 2

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Alam Khan/ Akash (Ether) Pt. 1

Label: Snakes X Ladders

Rating: ****

The son of sarod legend Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Alam Khan takes the instrument to a contemporary, new age space on his new album Mantram. The video of the opening track 'Akash (Ether) Pt. 1' features a boy with dreams, and has been captured beautifully in black n' white by Avani Rai.

The tune begins with a melodic sarod phrase, after which broken beat drum loops join the background. There's a shade of late 1990s Talvin Singh and Nitin Sawhney, but the use of sarod lends its own identity.

The album follows a concept, with tracks inspired by ether, wind, fire, water and earth. It's very new age, yet meditative.

Isheeta Chakrvarty/ Ek Sutra - Celebration 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Keyboards, bass and acoustic guitar blend with mridangam, shakers and manjeera bells on 'Celebration', singer Isheeta Chakrvarty's adaptation of the popular Marathi abhang 'Bolava Vithal'.

The song is part of Isheeta's debut EP Ek Sutra, where she has also done interpretations of the semi-classical 'Saiyyan Nikas Gaye' (on 'Surrender') and devotional 'Bhawani Dayani' ('Ode To The Devi').

'Celebration' retains the flavour of the abhang, written by Sant Tukaram with additions here by Omkar Jambekar. The track has been composed by Isheeta with Viveick Rajagopalan, who also plays mridangam. Harmeet Manseta's keyboards and Ria Modak's guitar add a subtle twist.

Ishaan Nigam/ Ye Raaste

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer-songwriter Ishaan Nigam has released some  good numbers like 'O Chand' and 'O Raahi'. As its title suggests, his latest release 'Ye Raaste' is about travel, goals and destination.

In terms of subject, there's nothing new. Lyrics like "Yeh raaste par tu chale, khwab naye bunte hue" have been done a zillion times. What works, however, is the simple melody, and despite the familiar theme, these are words one can hum along with.

Sam Haldar's guitar acts as a perfect backdrop. Ishaan's vocals have that pleasantness too.

Unnati Shah/ Kehne Do

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

After releasing many covers, Unnati Shah comes up with her debut original 'Kehne Do'. It's a good beginning, as the song has a catchy tune and words that are motivational and uplifting.

Lyrics have been co-written by Unnati and Pooja Tiwari. "Uddne do, inn hawaaon mein udne do, pankh phaila ke khwaabon ko, aasmaan mein udne do", the words go.

The video has been well constructed, blending studio recording shots with scenes from South Mumbai or frames of an artist at work. The theme goes well with the song's tune and meaning.

Lakshay Kapoor/ Tumhe Pyaar Karungga

Label: VYRL Originals 

Rating: ***

Singer Lakshay Kapoor comes out with a melodious love-turned-bittersweet song in 'Tujhe Pyaar Karrunga'. A highlight is that the video features TV starlet Erica Fernandes, best known for her performance in Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi.

Javed-Mohsin's tune has a melodic air, and Rashmi Virag sticks to routine and safe lyrics like "Tumhe pyaar karungga main itna, koi kar na sakega jitna".

Lakshay, who displays a good personality appearing in the Arif Khan-directed video, also has a strong voice, though he struggles a bit while trying the higher notes. He's got a hummable tune to his advantage.