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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Hariharan/ Dabi Dabi

Label: Zee Music Company 

Rating: *****

In terms of sheer richness, Hariharan has one of the most distinct voice textures. On his new song 'Dabi Dabi', composer Shamir Tandon creates the right mood, making best use of the ghazal maestro's vocal finesse.

The expression is just perfect as he sings Vishwadeep Zeest's lines, "Dabi dabi si tamanna tum kaho toh bol doon, kuch aur lamhe saath mere tum raho toh bol doon". The writing is adorned with gems like, "Kinaaron par yoon rehke boli jaayegi na baat yeh, Mohabbaton mein sang mere tum baho toh bol doon".

With flute, guitar and violin, the arrangement is super. The best part is the ghazal's simplicity, as Hariharan doesn't stays away from extra harkats and calisthenics, keeping it straight. It's the kind of song that merits repeated plays. A feather in the singer's cap.

Hridayam/ O Bandeya

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Comprising singer-songwriter Aishwarya Tiwari and drummer Shubham Chand Sahu, Hridayam is a contemporary Hindi-rock duo from Pune. They have released the five-song EP Aarambh, containing a mix of motivational and romantic numbers.

The opening track 'O Bandeya' is an inspirational tune with the lines, "O Bandeya, chal zara, udd zara, yeh aasman tera hai, jo hai likha tere naam ka, silsila bada hai, O Bandeya".

The song has a wonderful build-up with a keyboard intro, before getting into some dazzling guitrarwork and concluding with the lines, "Dhoop aayegi, aayegi chaanv bhi, tu rukna na, o bandeya". The song has a singalong quality that's essential in live shows.

BPraak/ Zohrazabeen 

Label: Desi Melodies

Rating: ** 1/2

The title track of singer-composer BPraak's new album, 'Zohrazabeen' boasts of having 1.64 crore views within a week of release. That's 80 per cent of Mumbai's population. This blogger happened to contribute some five or six views for reviewing purposes.

The song and video by themselves are loud and over-the-top, but the hook sort of stays on. Though director Arvindr Khaira's video has lavish sets and smart choreography, the whole thing is too filmi, with overacting galore. Randeep Hooda and Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary appear, with BPraak in a few shots.

Lyricist Jaani comes up with the main line, "Zohrazabeen, Zohrazabeen, koi mehfil nahin, jis mehfil mein humne khoon thooke nahin". Maybe the hero has a 'spit' personality.

Dooriyan/ Saubhagya 

Label: SoulTrax Originals 

Rating: ***

The singing debut of Saubhagya, 'Dooriyan' has music by Lega C and Vishal Sharma. It's a sweet tune boosted by guitars, ukulele and harmonica, though the vocal range is limited.

The video, directed by Saubhagya and Siddharth Solanki, features Sakshi Gurnani and Vishal Sharma (in pic). That is a strong point as it talks of how distances are caused in relationships when one of the partners gets obsessed by his cell-phone or laptop.

The video has a relatable storyline, using two designer cups as the symbol. The cast does a good job too.

Sona Mohapatra/ Ganesh Stuti

Label: Omgrown Music

Rating: ****

To add to her vast catalogue, Sona Mohapatra now sings a Ganesh stuti. The four-minute recording, released on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, gives a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Music is by Vrashal Tejasingh Chauhan, whose arrangements have a festive air. The piece is set to rupak taal and Sona's singing has the right elegance and control. This is an ideal addition to one's Ganesh song collection.