Naren's indie round-up/ Mar 2023, Ep 3



BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Project Damru feat. Isheeta Chakrvarty & Pratik Shrivastava/ Kaa

Label: Neti Neti Records 

Rating: *****

Project Damru is the marvellous brainchild of music producer Ashish Jha. On 'Kaa', he teams up with vocalist Isheeta Chakrvarty and sarod player Pratik Shrivastava to create a fabulous blend of organic Indian sounds, suave electronica and cinema-styled layering.

The tune starts with an infectious choral vocal line, followed by cross-harmonies and steady build-up. Isheeta then sings, "Dariya dariya dhoondoon mein usko, doobti rahoon ishq mein" before the melodic sarod takes over.

Intricate rhythmic patterns and lush arrangements create a global effect, and the repeated vocal chant lingers on as an earworm. Splendid work.

Abhanga Repost/ Vrukshavalli Amha Soyare 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Abhanga Repost had a fantastic show at the Mahindra Roots Festival in Mumbai last month, blending traditional Marathi abhangas with modem arrangements. Their new video song 'Vrukshavalli Amha Soyare' uses a good blend of folk and reggae.

The song is based on Sant Tukaram's Marathi poetry which sends out a message to protect the environment. The musicians use well-constructed vocal harmonies, and besides a short guitar part and intricate tabla, a highlight is the solo by the melodica, which one comes across rarely.

The video shot in Mauritius has a seaside freshness that goes with the warm nature of the tune. On another note, these guys are fantastic live, with their energy and control, and spontaneous interaction and humour. Rush for their next gig.

Osho Jain/ Hum Jab Door Ho Jaayenge

Label: Indiea Music

Rating: *** 1/2

Originally from Indore, singer-songwriter Osho Jain has built up a fan base with his melancholic melodies. His latest 'Hum Jab Door Ho Jaayenge' is another of those dreamy, philosophical creations.

Osho's observation is pointed, as he drawls, "Hum jab door ho jaayenge, logon ki baaton mein mashoor ho jaayege". A steady guitar and subtle flute interludes caress the backdrop.

Divyansh Ganjoo's video, featuring Muskaan Bisaria and Aman Singh Ranga, has the right emotions that go with the lyrics. And the tune's simplicity makes you hum along.

Mayank Pawani/ Tarasti Aankhen 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Strangely, the main credits for 'Tarasti Ankhen' are given to video models Wasim Khatri and Saniya Haque. Maybe, sarcasm meant, the idea was to make listeners strain their eyes in the notes to read that the singer, composer and lyricist is Mayank Pawani.

Mayank has a boyish voice but is strong on melody as he sings, "Meri tarasti aankhen, raaton mein hi jaage, din mein peeche tere bhaage". The video, directed by Ritik Mehta and Kriti Edwankar, uses a pair of suitcases and yellow flowers as a motif. The good thing is that it has a certain freshness.

Big Bang Blues/ Jenny

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Delhi-based group Big Bang Blues is influenced by classic blues-rock and southern rock on 'Jenny', its new song about an outlaw who is about to die and hopes to meet his girlfriend in heaven.

Diyatom Deb is natural on vocals, and the songwriting by guitarist Sushant Thakur is crisp. A guitar solo by Manjit Joseph is an added attraction.

The video captures a live performance at Piano Man Gurugram, with keys, bass and drums completing the line-up. The lines, "Goodbye, I'm feeling much too high, getting closer to my Jenny" sum up the song's mood.



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