Naren's indie round-up/ Dec 2022, Ep 4



BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Rochak Kohli/ Pehli Baar Mile

Label: R Music, Ingrooves

Rating: ****

With its simple melody line and neat guitars, singer Rochak Kohli's 'Pehli Baar Mile' is a treat to the ears. To add to that, we have a fabulous video shot in a toy train in the Himalayas.

The storyboard talks of a couple (Anjali Tatrari and Naveen Kasturia) out on their first journey after marriage. Rochak is in the train with his guitar. "Pehli baar mile toh aise mile jaise saath ho sadiyon se", begin Gurpreet Saini's lines.

Rochak has a soothing voice and good sense of composition. Gautam Govind Sharma's video goes perfectly with the song's mood, and one feels like watching repeatedly.

Naheed & Shriram Iyer/ Kya Pata

Label: Soul Sync

Rating: ***

New York-based doctor Naheed has been taking online vocal lessons from Bollywood musician Shriram Iyer since the beginning of the pandemic. The two have collaborated on her debut single 'Kya Pata'.

It's a simple song with a pleasant guitar intro and interlude. Ruchit Japee's lyrics talk about the confusion that arises when a person first falls in love. "Lamhe suhaane hain, kuch pal puraane hain, thaamoon kya inko zara", he writes.

For a debut, this is a sincere rendition, though there are moments where one feels Naheed is trying hard to sound more expressive. Maybe experience will help. The composition has a certain pleasantness, though.

Abhay Jodhpurkar/ Barsan Lagi

Label: Strumm

Rating: ***

Besides South Indian films, Abhay Jodhpurkar has sung in Hindi films like Zero, Badhaai Do and Doctor G. He now releases a fresh adaptation of a traditional song.

"Barsan laagi, saawan boondiya, torey bin laagi mora jiya", Abhay sings. Producer Kshitij Tarey's orchestration goes well with the natural style of singing.

Though it's a routine composition, the treatment is polished. It's something one can enjoy listening casually.

Rickraj/ Starlight

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

Kolkata-bred guitarist Rickraj Nath has accompanied many Bollywood biggies and indie/ fusion artistes, besides being part of the Darshan Doshi Trio. His solo work takes him into another space.

On 'Starlight', he is joined by drummer Sambit Chatterjee and bassist Bachospati Chakraborty. The instrumental track is filled with virtuoso guitaring, and one senses a lot of power ballad rock and modern jazz influence.

Playing remotely, the musicians show brilliant coordination, though one doesn't see the bassist in the video. The technique is superb, and there's a good bit of improvisation.

Zarir Marfatia/ Sixth Degree

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

The opening lines of Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Zarir Marfatia's new song 'Sixth Degree' are self-explanatory. "I've been searching for the answers to questions in my life", he sings.

Zarir has been consistently putting out singles, and there's a certain depth in his writing. For instance, there's this line, "But there's something oddly intimate about stealing glances with a stranger in a crowded bar". 

Accompanied on vocals by Ayushi Bajpai and backed by strong guitars, Zarir puts out a song that's introspective, intense and nostalgic





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