Naren's indie round-up/ Feb 2023, Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Shally Rehal feat. Kultargotbounce/ Step

Label: Snakes X Ladders

Rating: ***

Indo-Canadian singer Shally Rehal uses rhythm n' blues and hip-hop elements in his Punjabi songs. On his latest song 'Step', he collaborates with producer Kultargotbounce once again.

The song is melodic and catchy, keeping in current trends in Punjabi music where musicians are going in for heartfelt stuff instead of sheer energy.

The highlight is Naview's video which moves from a 1970s disco-funk look to early 2000s club vibe. With doses of humour and its retro feel, it draws attention.

Prithviraj Singh/ Mahiyaan

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

This is one of the best Hindi love songs released over the past few months. 'Mahiyaan', by Indore-based singer-songwriter Prithviraj Singh, charms with its pleasant tune, simple lyrics and marvellous arrangements.

The song begins, "Mere bina tu nahin, tere bina main nahin, tere bina zindagi, kuch nahin, kuch nahin". Besides the soothing choral back-up, a highlight is Rajendra Salunkhe's shehnai, which gives it a completely different twist.

Guitarist Ashwarya Dhoble and rhythm artiste Bharat Chandore have also produced the song. Their work goes superbly with the tune and emotion.

The Rish & Prakriti Kakar/ Dooriyan

Label: Indiea Records

Rating: ***

Featuring Rishabh Kant aka The Rish and Prakriti Kakar, 'Dooriyan' is strong on composition, lyrics and video narrative. The hassle is that the singing and acting seem forced, like both of them trying too hard.

As a tune, it grows, and creates an impact with words like, "Raaste jo bichde hain woh thi hamari majbooriyan" and "Kaanton se zyaada chubhti hai yeh dooriyan, yeh dooriyan, hamari darmiyaan".

Though the video, directed by Dibyo Chatterjee, has been shot on an iPhone, it flows smoothly. A bit of control in the expressions would have helped.

Deepak Rathore Project/ Parda

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

On 'Parda', the Deepak Rathore Project tries the unusual method of keeping the same tune throughout the song. While that makes it sound like a monotonous lullaby on first listen, it actually grows on loop.

In the video, Deepak asks two friends (played by Ketan and Kangan Khandelwal) to come to Dehradun and hear his new song, without realising they are now an estranged couple. Naturally, the party brings them back.

The song is filled with romantic lines like, "Woh subah ki kirane jagaaye tujhe toh, woh chehre ke aake parda ban jaaonga". It's an offbeat approach to songwriting but it works and has that earworm-inducing quality.

Hautewulf/ Arcadestep

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

This one is strictly for fans of electronic dance music and the gaming franchise Tekken, which Delhi producer Mohan Kumar aka Hautewulf is inspired by. The sound is driven by techno and dubstep, with some smart tempo changes and sudden bursts of energy.

Add to that a trendy, computer-generated video with psychedelic colours and messages like 'Happy Trippin' Without Drugs', 'Get Ready For Dopamine Shot' and 'Get Ready To Go Nuts'. All in all, quite a trip for those who enjoy this genre.




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