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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Hashbass feat. Warren Mendonsa/ Infinite Worlds

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Bassist Harshit Misra, known in music circles as Hashbass, teams up with guitarist Warren Mendonsa of Blackstratblues on his new electronica single 'Infinite Worlds'. The song has a 1980s wobble bass vibe though a contemporary aura is blended well.

Beginning with a flurry of synths played against heady rhythms and a vocal line, the track moves on into Warren's astounding solo, which gives a totally new dimension, before returning to a synth climax.

The video takes you through a journey of synth shots, neon lights and video-game imagery. This is cutting-edge stuff that grows on loop.

Unnati Shah feat. D. Abdul/ Chori Chori

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer Unnati Shah blends a chillout lounge flavour with Afro rhythms and hip-hop on her new track 'Chori Chori'. The song's plus point is its hook, which sticks on.

The opening lines are, "Chori chori, tere khayaalon mein khoyee khoyee, raaton ko jaagi na soyee soyee, yaadon mein teri mein royee royee" after which Unnati sings, "Boy you're beautiful just the way you are, ab kya sochna bas paas mein aa". Pretty routine, but they work with the young party crowd, with D. Abdul's rap providing variety.

The song has also been released in a 'Reprise' version, with a similar vocal line and lyrics but a different arrangement, video and no rap. While the original is more clubby, the Reprise is more radio-friendly.

Neil Nayak feat. Faris Khan/ Panne

Label: Healthy Den, with Danztanz Studio

Rating: *** 1/2

Two years ago, composer Neil Nayak had released the song 'Ek Khayal', featuring singer Varun Jain. His latest composition 'Panne' is sung by Faris Khan, who impresses with his pleasant voice.

The simple ballad talks of moving on while missing the pages from the past. The lines go, "Tere bina bhi mere saansein chal rahi, jo bandagi thi kaafirana ho gayee". Aditya Jadhwani's guitar lines spruce up the piece, which is produced by Zoheb Khan.

Neil also appears in the video, directed by Kumar Pai and co-starring Shreya Kapoor. It alternates moments of reflective loneliness with warm scenes from the past, and has a refreshing 1990s Indipop look.

Ayaan Khan feat. Mishraaa/ Mera Fitoor

Label: Indie Verse Records 

Rating: ** 1/2

'Mera Fitoor' is one of those tracks which has been composed, written and produced well, but somehow falls short in the vocals category. Singer Ayaan Khan makes a fair effort, no doubt, but doesn't come up with the right expression and flow. A bit of experience and hard work should polish things up.

Even the rap part by Mishraaa seems forced, though the music playing in the background is quite striking. The line "Is ishq ka nahin koi dastoor, faqat tu hi hai mera fitoor" holds the song together.

The video is all about side shots, chequed shirts and greenery. The scenery is good, but a storyline would have been welcome.

Sound Of Muzak/ Lullaby Of A Sea

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Music for medication and relaxation has its own dedicated audience. To cater to this segment, Sound Of Muzak has released a calming new age piece called 'Lullaby Of A Sea'.

Sound Of Muzak is the brainchild of bassist Pooja Mazoomdar, who has composed and produced the track using keyboards and sea-inspired pad sounds. The tune, recorded on a beach in south Goa, is an ode to Mother Nature, specially beaches.

The visualiser captures footage taken from the Goan seafront. It matches the calmness of the music.