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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Zohran Miranda/ Time For Two

Label: So Bad Records

Rating: ***

On the title track of his EP Time For Two, guitarist-vocalist Zohran Miranda is joined by singer Yamini Lavanian, who has co-written it. Both of them have their parts clear, and their voices stand out individually, and yet complement each other.

Produced by Zohran in association with Jovian Soans, the sound has a pop-tronic sound with doses of old-school rhythm n' blues blended with futuristic orchestrations. The video is due soon.

The five-song EP features another collaboration with Yamini, besides an appearance of sister duo Simetri on one track. It's ideal music for a drive.

Ankur Sabharwal/ Drifting

Label: Self-released 

Rating; ****

After working together on the fabulous video of 'Better Man', singer-songwriter Ankur Sabharwal and filmmaker Mrinal Bahukhandi get together on the nostalgic 'Drifting'.

The video, which also features Ankur's son Arjun as his younger self, goes perfectly with the song's lyrics, which talk of trying to bring back older times. Ankur has a very pleasant voice, and his expression has the right dose of emotion.

While Ankur plays acoustic guitar, the seasoned Gussy Rikh is on electric and nylon-stringed guitar, giving the song a moody air. Drummer Suyash Gabriel completes the line-up.

Kiara Chhetri/ Cold

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

In her ninth single 'Cold', young Delhi-bred, London-based singer-songwriter Kiara Chettri sings about one-sided love. The video, shot by Matu Harvey largely in London's Hyde Park, shows her watching as her ex-flame spends time with his new companion.

"And now you have a new life, I can see your beautiful wife, she holds your hand and it hurts me to my core," sings Kiara, as a back-up choral chant enhances her pathos.

The style is essentially dream-pop, with acoustic guitar, synths and strings caressing the backdrop. Moscow-based George Porlemad does a tight job at production, which blends well with Kiara's singing. The song content makes up for the routine storyline of the otherwise well-shot video.

Darshan Doshi Trio/ Dark Matter

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

The Darshan Doshi Trio, comprising drummer Darshan, guitarist Rickraj Nath and bassist Hashbass, has been fairly active on the live circuit. It has now released the video of 'Dark Matter', shot at a performance at Mumbai's G5A.

The nine-minute track blends rock, jazz and electronica, with Hashbass using synths and Ableton too. Some brilliant guitar passages are followed by drum parts in a seven-and-a-half beat cycle.

The coordination between the musicians is superb, and along with their individual artistry, they give each other space. This video is a worthy follow-up to their two-part Live On Tour series.

Sidharth Bendi/ 2006

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

As its title suggests, Hyderabad singer Sidharth Bendi's new song '2006' is  throwback number. It goes back to the time he was seven years old, and compares his life then and now.

"I'm moving so fast but I'm left behind, it's easy to say it'll be alright", he sings at the beginning, but later reflects on earlier times with the line, "It didn't feel like this in 2006".

The song picks up smoothly with guitars and programmed violin, and the sound has an alternative rock vibe. The self-directed video has a dark look to reflect the mood of the lyrics.