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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Advaita/ Palkan

Label: Merchant Records 

Rating: *** 1/2

Delhi fusion band Advaita is known for its smart blend of traditional Indian compositions and western arrangements. Their new song follows the same style, with Ujwal Nagar singing, "Palak na laagi, saari saari raina'. Which makes you wonder why it's been titled 'Palkan'.

Part of the SoundChk series initiated by Salim-Sulaiman, the song features a live performance by the band in a setting that's reminiscent of earlier Merchant Records or Coke Studio videos. 

There are the mandatory solos on guitar, keys and drums with Chayan Adhikari singing the English parts, ending with, "Why is it that I resist a chance to be another me". All in all, this is vintage Advaita which appeals despite the familiar overtones.

String Theory feat. Deepak Castelino & Pritam Ghosal/ Serendipity 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Also from Delhi are the veteran guitarist Deepak Castelino and sarod player Pritam Ghosal. Both part the Chaar Yaar group fronted by Madan Gopal Singh, they now come together as a duo.

Their name String Theory is derived from a term used in physics, and their YouTube notes explain that connection with their music. The piece 'Serendipity' begins with Deepak's nylon-stringed guitar, after which Pritam takes over.

The interaction is wonderful with both musicians giving each other the right space. One gets a feeling of peace after listening to this track. If you're into this kind of music, you could also check out their 'Chapel' on YouTube.

Jafa/ 2018

Label: Molfa Music

Rating: ***

Ananya Jafa, who goes by the name Jafa, talks about a past relationship in '2018'. It's about someone she met five years ago, and realised they had similar tastes in music and literature, only to drift apart later.

The 22-year-old singer has a kind of huskiness in her voice that brings out the nostalgia and emotion. There's some interesting use of words like, "You were a day-dream I kind of liked, your soul was ugly but your smile was pretty brocade, I got carried away".

Though it was just a passing phase, the song ends with cherishable memories. Quazi Mode's production uses a dream-poppish backdrop, and Yuvrajaago's video is an interesting melange of images. It's a song the millennials will relate to.

Jasleen Royal feat. Arijit Singh/ Heeriye

Label: Meri Marzi Pictures/ Warner

Rating: ****

Popular star Arijit Singh joins singer-composer Jasleen Royal in this Punjabi number 'Heeriye'. It's a melodic tune with a nice lilt and pleasant guitar lines.

The singers team up well with both voices clear in enunciation. Lyrics are by Aditya Sharma, who talks of longing and sleepless nights, though one ends up only humming the main line 'Heeriye heeriye aa'.

A primary attraction, of course, is the appearance of actor Dulquer Salmaan in the video, directed by Taani Tanvir. He and Jasleen make a good screen combo.

Vernon Noronha/ Shehron Se Duur

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Vernon Noronha has been active on the indie scene for over a decade. While he has focused on English songs so far, his latest single 'Shehron Se Duur' is a Hindi number with some English at the end.

As the title suggests, it's a song about escaping from city life and looking for solitude. Lyrics have been written by Abhinab Dan, and Vernon sings, "Parchaiyyon se ladne ki ab aadat ho gayee, ab logon ke darmiyaan nahin rehna hai mujhe".

Co-produced by Leron D'Souza, the song has a certain breeziness that makes it ideal for journeys (of course, only on smooth roads with no traffic). Though the subject isn't new, it's something citygoers may identify with.