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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Anuv Jain/ Mazaak

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer-songwriter Anuv Jain first made news four years ago with 'Baarishen'. Ever since, he's been consistent in quality, releasing songs at intervals, without flooding the streaming platforms.

His recent release 'Mazaak' has a melodic tune and nice acoustic feel. Anuv's voice is pleasant, sounding like your next-door neighbour. That, along with the simple themes he chooses, makes him so relatable.

The song has a very cute video too, with Vasudha Rungta directing models Rutvik Deshpande and Sai Godbole. It's a love song and video that's woŕhy of repeat mode.

Sukriti, Prakriti & Badshah/ Kya Say

Label: VYRL Originals 

Rating: **

India's music lovers seem to have one big obsession - to leave all their work and just spend time watching Badshah's latest video the day it is released. Statistics back that theory - barely 24 hours after the launch of 'Kya Say', his new collab with Sukriti and Prakriti, it had already garnered 33 lakh views.

The lyrics would inspire a resurrected John Keats - 'element' rhymes with 'elephant' and 'anticipation' goes with 'precipitation'. Oh yes, 'Kya Se' also sounds perfect with 'Pyaase'. 

The saving grace comes in the form of the dancey vibe of the composition, created by Badshah and Chamath Sangeeth. Otherwise, this would have made more sense if sung as wordless syllables. Kya say?

Anmol Daniel/ Tera Aqs

Label: Warner Indie Music Label

Rating: ***

In the middle of his song 'Tera Aqs', Anmol Daniel sings, "Tere sang apna waqt bita ke milta hai sukoon". The lines sum up the mood of this simple love song, penned by the brilliant Sayeed Quadri.

Anmol, who has also composed the tune, has a good vocal range and flexibility. Aided by a crisp back-up team, he comes up with a commendable tune.

Gautam G Sharma's video, starring Malhar Rathod and Ravjeet Singh, is about a boy initially reluctant to have an arranged marriage, but eventually likes the girl who comes to see him. It's a simple subject, well picturised.

Stereo Singhz/ Kudi Kamaal

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Stereo Singhz comprises brothers Pannu Maan and Heera Singh, nephews of Mika Singh. So technically, there should be some relation to Daler Mehndi, one assumes.

Anyway, their song 'Kudi Kamaal' is an honest attempt, with no pretences. It has a nice dance groove, and a simple hook, even though the line 'Tu kudi kamaal lagdi hai' is repeated ad infinitum.

The video, directed by Aman Prajapati, is shot in Dubai and features Arushi Handa. Nothing earth-shattering but it goes with the song's peppiness.

Peekay/ Squeaky Clean

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Hyderabad-based singer Pranati Khanna aka Peekay has released her second single of the year. 'Squeaky Clean' is about a yearning to go back in time, with a traffic signal being used as a metaphor.

"Trust your heart, know your mind, play your part, do your time" go the words, backed by Jonathan Edwards smooth arrangements. The sound has a soul-pop feel, and Melwin Sam's video has a green, summery look.

Earlier this year, Peekay had released 'Sunshine On Street', a catchy acceptance-themed duet with Shillong singer Andrea Tariang. 'Squeaky Clean' is a neat follow-up.