Naren's indie round-up/ May 2023, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Yaksha/ Lacuna

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Yaksha is an experiential collaboration featuring guitarist Aditya Mohanan and handpan player Ishaan Zaveri. Their speciality lies in blending acoustic music with sounds of nature.

'Lacuna', from their new self-titled EP, is a well-constructed, seven-minute instrumental piece blending raags Mohanam and Kalyani, with the chirping of birds and other natural sounds heard in the backdrop.

The two musicians improvise freely, going back and forth in total sync. The tune has been filmed in an orchard on the outskirts of Mumbai, adding to the natural ambience and serene experience.

Sanjay Maroo/ Holding On

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

Multi-faceted artiste Sanjay Maroo has played drums for the Les Boys, Rock Machine and fusion band Divya, besides releasing his own albums as an Indipop singer. While his 1999 song 'Tu Hi Tu' is much remembered, last year's 'Kal Ka Bharosa' was admired by fans.

Maroo's latest song 'Holding On' is a simple pop tune in English. The song has a catchy, though somewhat familiar hook, with the lines, "Holding on to the faith we have, holding on to the things we can, holding on to the dreams we see, you can't get away". Arjun Thakur's guitar solo is smooth.

Christopher Pearson's video blends outdoor and indoor shots. Besides being a tune one can hum along, the song has a motivational message.

Shahana Naresh/ Vaari Vaari

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

The blend of Indian classical melodies and electronic music has always sounded trendy, specially among the younger generation. On the instrumental front, an example is the album Raagatronic by Shriram Sampath and Swarupa Ananth Sawkar. 

Now, Bengaluru-based singer Shahana Naresh teams up with Mumbai producer Nirmit Shah on such an experiment. The raag Yaman composition 'Main Vaari Vaari Jaaongi' is set against an electronic backdrop and lush keyboards. The basic melody lingers on.

In keeping with the song's concept, Karan Vaidya's video makes innovative use of lighting. However, one wishes the singer had been shot from more angles, to avoid a repetitive look.

Jaswinder Singh/ Ik Ishq Agar Hota

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

For over two decades, Jaswinder Singh has been a prolific ghazal singer, best-known for his rendition of Mirza Ghalib and Kaifi Azmi. He now renders 'Ik Ishq Agar Hota', written by Mehboob Khan and composed by Farrukh Khawaja.

The main lines are, "Ik ishq agar hota, kya rang-e-digar hota, aansoon nahin palkon pe, ek shola-e-tar hota". Jaswinder's diction is perfect, and his voice has pleasantness.

The song is adorned by the sitar of Uma Shankar Shukla and sarangi of Momin Khan. The flourishes used by both musicians blend perfectly with Jaswinder's vocals.

Prithviraj Singh Sisodiya/ Jaisi Hogi Tu

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Earlier this year, Indore-based singer-songwriter Prithviraj Singh Sisodiya had released the charming ballad 'Mahiyaan'. His latest song 'Jaisi Hogi Tu' talks of the emotion of missing someone, and yet imagining that person is somewhere around.

The opening lines are, "Main dekhoon jisko bhi lage ke jaisi hogi tu; mehsoos hui hawa bhi aaj jaise choo gayee ho tu". Once again, Prithviraj's composition has that spark, with Writuraj Gogoi's guitar solo adding to the weight of the song.

With his adeptness at simple ballads, one looks forward to more from the youngster. Even the video has a feel-good vibe.












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