Naren's indie round-up/ June 2023, Ep 5


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Hitesh Rikki Madan, Arriv Madan & Advay Madan/ Tu Bataa

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

The former lead guitarist of Hindi-rock band Euphoria, Hitesh Rikki Madan later had a productive career as solo singer. A year ago, he worked with his sons Arriv and Advay on the song 'Aao Na'.

The teenagers again appear with Hitesh on the pop-rock number 'Tu Bataa'. A love song for the young generation, it has the catch-line, "Tere dil mein kya hai, kya hai, tu bataa; hai sharaarat, chaahat, yeh adaa kya, tu bataa, tu bataa".

While all three share vocal parts, Hitesh is on guitar, Arriv on bass and Advay on drums. The song has groove, driven by the bassline. Vishesh Verma's video captures their live performance well.


Shashwat Bulusu/ Raani

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Baroda-bred singer-songwriter Shashwat Bulusu wrote 'Raani' as a 17-year-old a decade ago. The song went viral through WhatsApp forwards, attaining a cult following.

Now, after all these years, Shashwat has released the song officially after re-recording it. Backed by melodic guitar, he sings it wonderfully, using his pleasant texture well.

After the opening line "Ghooma, main ghooma, main ghooma raha", he goes into more imaginative fare on "In waadiyon ke ghere mein, udd raha hai parinda; is shaam ke saaz mein, hai taaron ka ghera". Though the song is quite long at nearly five minutes, it keeps you focusing on the words and tune.


Apurva Kedia feat. Harsh Karmakar/ Kusum

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

Brought up in Ranchi, singer-songwriter Apurva Kedia has shifted to Mumbai to pursue her music career. Her single 'Kusum' is dedicated to her late grandmother, who had cancer.

The song blends a lullaby-like lilt with a melancholic flavour, using lines like "Jhoola jhoolayegi hawa, loriyan ambar sunaayega". Apurva's voice has the right expression.

'Kusum' has been co-produced by Harsh Karmakar. It has marvellous arrangements, which are both orchestral and cinematic by nature. That gives the song richness.


Pooja Mazoomdar & Sparkzy Minded/ Omalicha

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Mumbai bassist-composer Pooja Mazoomdar met Nigerian musician Sparkzy Minded at a songwriting workshop organised by Turnkey Music. This was when they decided to collaborate.

The result is 'Omalicha' (beautiful in the Nigerian language Igbo). It's a Hindi-Afropop song that talks of finding hope after being down. Pooja writes and sings the song herself, with both musicians composing it.

The song has a vibrant electro-pop feel. Good to tap one's feet to.


Saroj Kashyap/ Nargis

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Though it may sound like a Hindi/ Urdu song from its title, 'Nargis' is a simple English song which talks of the simple joy of being in love. Bengaluru-based singer-songwriter Saroj Kashyap sings, "It's all the silly things, and all the silly fights, it's all the tears of joy, and how you light up my sky, and all, and all I want is to be with you".

Arjun MPN's flute acts as a perfect intro, and Ritwik Bhattacharya's flows in the backdrop. A string-y backdrop adds to the ambience, complementing Saroj's vocals. Even Sanket Chakraborty's video goes in line with the theme. It's the serene kind of song that sounds ideal in the right company.



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