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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Khanvict & Raaginder feat. Rashmeet Kaur/ Devotion

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Pakistan-origin Canadian producer Khanvict collaborates with violinist Raaginder and singer Rashmeet Kaur on 'Devotion', a foot-tapping Punjabi number aimed at the dance floor.

Aided by a retro-look video, it takes you back to the 1990s style of party naach-gaana. Raaginder's violin, with its Indian classical base, is a highlight and the strong basswork and infectious beats blend well with Rashmeet's vocals and Sufiana flavour.

The song is the first single from Khanvict and Raaginder's EP Arrival. main line "Jogan ban gayee aa, sudbud main kho gayee aa" is set to a catchy groove. Sounds ideal for headphones or simply high volume.

Gaurav Bangia & Amruta Natu/ Tu Baadal

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Over the past few months, composer-singer Gaurav Bangia and singer Amruta Natu have teamed up on the wonderful songs 'Raaste' and 'Caravan'. Now they create two songs with the same tune but in different languages, Hindi and Tamil, with different meanings.

The Hindi version 'Tu Baadal' has been written by Rahul B. Seth. It opens with the lines "Tu baadal main bijuri" and then goes on to say "Tu saans hai main bansuri". Both singers are melodious in their individual parts, Manan Mehta's piano has a charming lilt, and Paras Nath's flute and ID Rao's clarinet enhance the arrangements.

The Tamil rendition, 'Tu Vaanam', is written by Madhurakavi with Gaurav. Both versions enchant with their melodies and simplicity.

Arijit Singh/ Bhool Jaa

Label: T-Series

Rating: ***

Some 20 or 25 years ago, industry folk had started using the term 'video song' for tunes that depended on the video, often featuring two good-looking models tossing about three facial expressions against the background of great scenery. Often, a popular singer would be chosen to ensure some kind of musical quality.

Maybe the term should be revived, as it's very appropriate for the Arijit Singh song 'Bhool Jaa', featuring models Himansh Kohli and Aayushi Verma, a beach, blue skies, a bunch of roses and plastic smiles. 

Piyush Shankar comes up with a catchy tune, and Rashmi Virag writes, "Woh jo tera khwaab tha, woh jo tera pyaar tha, woh jo tere saath tha, bhool jaa". Arijit's singing style isn't too different from many of his other songs. Your reaction depends on whether you're a fan or not.

Vishal Mishra/ Aakhir

Label: VYRL Originals

Rating: ***

Another video song is 'Aakhir' by singer Vishal Mishra, and this one has Shantanu Maheshwari and Diksha Singh as the lead pair. Arif Khan's video is predictable, beginning with a wedding scene and alternating between happy flashbacks and sad now-times.

The plus point is Vishal's soulful singing and composition, though one wonders why he sings 'cherey' instead of 'chehre'. The guitars and strokes by Shomu Seal complement the main melody. Kaushal Kishore's lyrics have the right depth to convey the expressions but one wishes there weren't so many spoken lines. The idea is to narrate a story, but it breaks the flow.

Ditty/ Hold Me

Label: Clouds Hill

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer-songwriter Ditty, who shuttles between India and Berlin, is due to release her next album Skin in March 2024. It comes a long time after her much-acclaimed 2019 record Poetry Ceylon.

Ditty has just released the first single 'Hold Me'. The song talks of the fears that love can make us face, as she sings, "Hold me now, not too long" and "Try not to kill me with your love".

With her fabulous voice texture, Ditty packs a lot of expression into her singing. Add to that Dhruv Bhola's production, and this song creates an impact.