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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Aabha Hanjura/ Mere Makaan

Label: Ziply Productions 

Rating: *****

After a brief introduction, Aabha Hanjura sings, "Mere makaan, mere makaan, badhta hi jaa raha hai tujhse mera faasla". On 'Mere Makaan', she talks of the plight of Kashmiris displaced by the turmoil.

It's a very meaningful and hard-hitting song, which also evokes nostalgia and sadness through lines like, "Jo baagh maine lagaaya tha, khilta hoga mere bagair kya?". Written and composed by Aabha, it has been produced by K.J. Singh. A highlight is the subtle use of piano and cello, and the feeling is enhanced by Sujish Das's video which shows the singer walk the paths of Kashmir.

The repetitive use of the words "Mera makaan" at the end leaves a lump in the throat. In the end, it's the lyrical content that touches most with its power.

What We Gonna Do?/ Muntazir 

Label: Noise Regiment 

Rating: ***

This Chennai-based Hindi-rock duo interestingly calls itself What We Gonna Do? Comprising vocalist Aaditya Laddha and guitarist Mayank Saini, it has recently released its new single 'Muntazir', which means "someone who waits".

Starting with a mild acoustic guitar, it opens with some fuzzy vocals which don't seem clear in the beginning. But soon they settle with a catchy stretch on, "Ab tu na jaane teri manzil hai kahaan" and "Ab mujhko hai yehi intezaar, intezaar, aayega tu hi leke pyaar, leke pyaar".

The sudden entry of an electric guitar comes as a welcome surprise. It gives the song a good burst of energy.

Syncopation/ Around The House

Label: High Music Academy 

Rating: ****

Known for the 2013 album Tune In and the single 'Rishikesh', Delhi band Syncopation is the brainchild of guitarist Risshi S. Sachdeva. Its sound is a judicious blend of jazz and funk, with neatly improvised solos.

The group's latest track 'Around The House' is the first single from the upcoming album The Indian Sky. There are some fantastic parts by Sachdeva, saxophonist Abhay Sharma and keyboardist Vatsal Bakhda, with Sonic Shori on bass and Nikhil Vasudevan on drums and percussion.

The six-and-a-half minute piece is captured in live performance shots at Delhi's Piano Man Jazz Club. The artistry is consistently amazing.

Darshan Doshi & Mark Hartsuch/ Legacy Makers

Label: Better Than Sax Records 

Rating: ****

While on jazz, here's this adventurous line-up comprising only two musicians - drummer Darshan Doshi and saxophonist Mark Hartsuch. The duo has released its EP Better Than Sax, and two videos showing live performances have been put out on YouTube.

The first single 'Legacy Makers' is an energetic number where both musicians coordinate brilliantly, and the mutual back-and-forth at the end. 'After The Gig' has a haunting start, before the saxophone takes over.

All five tracks on the 21-minute EP are composed by Mark. Besides being ideal for the stage, they make for good listening while driving.

Perp & Varun Agnihotri/ Easy Come Easy Go

Label: Robach Music 

Rating: ***

Mumbai-based singer Urmila Sivadas aka Perp collaborates with musician Varun Agnihotri for the third time on 'Easy Come Easy Go', a song whose title has been inspired by a line from rock band Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

The sound here is a total contrast though with its simple tune and minimal instrumentation. The words talk of relationships in an era of constant change, with Perp beginning, "I don't like things that come to me too easily, whether it's words to my song or an epiphany".

The tune has a laid-back vibe, but to bring in context, there's a long musical gap in the video. Wish that was shortened.