Naren's indie round-up/ Jan 2023, Ep 2

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

MaMoGi/ Itsy Bitsy

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

MaMoGi is a super-trio comprising saxophonist Mark Hartsuch, bassist Mohini Dey and drummer Gino Banks. Their sound is a good mix of jazz, prog-rock, electronica and funk.

Having done some fantastic live shows, they have now released their self-titled debut album, containing 11 tracks. The first video is of the tune 'Itsy Bitsy', and shows the three musicians dazzling in the studio.

Mark's melodic saxophone lines are perfectly matched by the bass and drum improvisation. One senses shades of a Weather Report influence, but the track has its own identity. The entire album is a must for contemporary jazz fans.

VKRM/ Where'd You Go

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Three months ago, Vikramjit Kundu aka VKRM had released his single 'Everytime I See You', a pleasant ballad blending rhythm n' blues with smooth jazz. His latest song 'Where You'd Go' uses a similar genre mix.

The song deals with the grief of losing loved ones - in VKRM's case, his grandparents. He sings, "Where'd you go, what are you doing, Where'd you go, a storm is brewing".

A trained pianist, VKRM comes up with a crisp piano solo in the middle. Good back-up vocals go with the main melody.

Druv Kent/ Million Ways

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singapore-based Druv Kent has been consistently releasing new material over the past three or four years. His latest single 'Million Ways' has a nice, peppy feel and infectious groove.

Credits for music and lyrics are shared with Tony Malm. The song is guitar-dominant, and has lines like "But you're dancing in the fire, you're burning all alone, I'm the music that can navigate your storm".

Puneet Rakheja's video blends shots of Druv singing and playing guitar with those of a romantic couple. The song reminds you of the 1990s boy-pop hits, but there's a fresh spin on the familiarity.

Shilpa Rao & Shashwat Sachdev/ Awaara Ho

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer Shilpa Rao is currently all over the place with 'Besharam Rang', but here's a far more soulful and appealing composition. Written and set to tune by Shashwat Sachdev, 'Awaara Ho' is a dream-pop number that grows on repeated listening. Interestingly, Shashwat sang the original version released a few months ago.

"Tumko lagta tum ho aashiq lekin tum bas awaara ho, pyaar nahin tumko humse tum udta baadal awaara ho", sings Shilpa. Her voice texture is ideal for such pathos-filled songs. 

With additional keyboards by Marshall Robinson, the piece has some interesting studio effects, which could perhaps have been toned down  Yet, the song has loop potential.

Aaryan/ Darmiyaan 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

The only information this blogger got about Aaryan Patel, courtesy Spotify, is that he's a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Raipur, Chattisgarh. What one definitely knows is that that there's a lot of soul in his singing.

'Darmiyaan' builds up beautifully, as he sings, "Tera intezaar main kar raha, ae humsafar ab tu aa bhi ja". Produced by Shyama Agarwal, the song has some nice tempo variations, with piano and guitar back-up.

The 'Darmiyaan' sung at the end has been well-rendered. One definitely looks forward to more from this youngster.