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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Mihir Chandan, Anuracti Sharma & C-Deep/ Rathiya

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *****

Here's a 'loop' number that just keeps growing on repeated listening. Mihir Chandan's percussion blends with Anuracti Sharma's classically-inspired vocals and C-Deep's snazzy production on this club-friendly beauty.

The sound harks back to the Asian underground and drum n' bass sounds of the late 1990s. Anuracti sings the lines, "Taras gayee mori rathiyan" with flair. Mihir uses the handpan and Rav metal drum with deftness.

The piece is four and a half minutes long, and has some brilliant tempo variations. It's filled with surprises, and the sudden rendition of the line "Aa jaao na" takes you into another space. Go for it.

Pratibha Singh Baghel feat. Rakesh Tripathi/ Kanha

Label: Sufiscore 

Rating: ****

In her latest release 'Kanha', singer Pratibha Singh Baghel expresses Radha's feelings for Lord Krishna. "Ja tumse main roothi hoon Kanha, aaj bansi tu na bajaana", she sings.

The song has been beautifully composed and written by Rakesh Tripathi, who associates Radha's fear of separation with the fate of a flute. Paras Nath shines on the bansuri, with sitar player Bhagirath Bhatt, guitarist Sanjay Jaipurwale and percussionist Prashant Sonagra lending support.

Pratibha appears in the video with Roshan Vichare. Directed by DSK, it goes with the flavour of the song. Playful moments blend well with angst-filled parts, and a good balance of emotions is maintained.

Somanshu feat. Rutvik Talashilkar/ Rehnuma

Label: TM Music

Rating: ** 1/2

At times, routine songs are lifted by a well-made video. 'Rehnuma', featuring singer and producer Somanshu, is one of them.

Shot in Goa and made by Cafe Racer Films, it stars Rajveer Singh and Reet Kaur (in picture). From the beaches and bylanes to the shacks and churches, it brings out the essence of the region.

Melodically, the song doesn't offer anything new. Somanshu is joined on vocals by Rutvik Talashilkar. The falsetto seems forced, and efforts are to sound like a mix of Shaan and Prateek Kuhad. The whole thing could have been more natural, like the video stars.

Pav Dharia/ Duawan

Label: Sony Music 

Rating: ***

Sydney-based artiste Pav Dharia has consistently released original material over the past six years, gaining popularity among Punjabi pop listeners. His latest song 'Duawan' is about a couple moving in together and embarking on a new journey.

A few things strike you about the song. One is its driving rhythm which keeps your feet tapping. The other is the sprightly chorus. The song has been written and composed by Vicky Sandhu, and impresses with its strong melody and hum-along vibe.

Bambi Bains/ Broken Glass 

Label: Big Bounce

Rating: ** 1/2

London-based singer Bambi Bains has released the tracks 'Retro Rarri' and 'Duniya' earlier. Her latest single 'Broken Glass', aimed at the dance floor, begins with English lines before going full-on Punjabi.

Music is by Shaye, who maintains a tight groove. However, there's something rushed about the whole delivery, as though everyone wants to pack up and go home. The abrupt ending acts as a dead-end.

On the positive side, the video shot by Murshed is smartly choreographed. It's got the look and the steps, as Bambi and the dancers do a neat job.