Naren's indie round-up/ Nov 2023, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

King/ Tu Jaana Na Piya

Label: Warner Music India

Rating: ***

After his super-hit song 'Maan Meri Jaan' last year, it was probably natural to expect King to use a similar formula in some of his next few tunes. So here were are, with 'Tu Jaana Na Piya', from his recent album New Life.

On its own, it's a simple and catchy tune with predictable lines telling a lover not to leave. "Tu jaana na piya, mere tere bina koi na yahaan, yeh dil keh raha", he sings. Co-written by him and Natania Lalwani, the song features singers Priyanshi Srivastava and Prateeksha Srivastava, who accompanied him on 'Maan Meri Jaan' too.

If anything, the video directed by Akhilesh Vats and co-starring Naina Bhan, has a fresh and romantic narrative. The main problem is that you start off by listening to 'Tu Jaana Na Piya' but end up humming 'Maan Meri Jaan' .

Sadaat Shafqat Amanat, Utpal Udit & Aditya Suyash/ More Saiyyan

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Pakistani singer Sadaat Shafqat Amanat and Patna-bred Utpal Udit team up with producer Adiya Suyash on 'More Saiyyan', a captivating song blending Sufiana and Indian light classical influences with a contemporary feel.

The song has traces of Pakistani band Fuzon, but that's natural considering that Sadaat is the son of the band's original vocalist Shafqat Amanat Ali. Both he and Utpal have a very natural throw and the right expression.

The main lines are, "Saiyaan more saiyaan, mohe na sataa, saiyaan more saiyaan, ab maan jaa". A brilliant line is, "Geeton mein tum ho, nazm mein tum ho, tum ko padhoon, tum ko gaaoon". In a sudden surprise, it ends with the famous line, "Mora saiyyan mosey bole na". Wow!!

Project Hamsadhwani feat. Niranjan Menon/ Patang

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

The brainchild of Delhi-based composer and producer Sarthak Ray, the Hamsadhwani Project has teamed up with various vocalists.

On the latest song 'Patang', singer Niranjan Menon sings about the need to embrace change, through PSYA's lines, "Ek woh patang jisko tha baandha, ek woh patang jisney tha usko baandha". The words use a kite as a metaphor to talk of freedom.

Sarthak Ray's guitar, Hrishikesh Majumdar's flute and Sarthak Dhole's tabla bind the track. Niranjan had earlier sung the English song 'Don't Shut Your Eyes' with Project Hamsadhwani. In either language, there's a charm in his vocals.

Pragnya Wakhlu feat. Saahir B/ Disconnect (Punjabi version)

Label: Self-released 

Rating; ***

Gauging the concert response to her English song 'Disconnect' released last year, singer-songwriter Pragnya Wakhlu has now released a bilingual English-Punjabi version, featuring rapper Saahir B.

The song is about over-dependence of technology and how it affects living in the real world. After elaborate English and Punjabi portions, the two singers alternate between the lines "When is it gonna stop? and "Kab rukugaye sab?" before the peppy "Think I've had enough" climax.

Produced by Atmus and OBSSSN, the song has a vibrant and energetic feel, aided by the fun video shot in Chandigarh. Importantly, the message stays.

Zachary Ray & Shreya Bhattacharya/ Moving On

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singers Zachary Ray and Shreya Bhattacharya do a duet on 'Moving On', a song that tells you to "stop living in the past". Both the vocalists coordinate well, whether they are singing separately or in harmony.

The song has an electro-pop feel and a vibrant beat. Krishna Rao's video, featuring the singers in similar white jackets, has been well-stylised and choreographed. The video actually enhances the effect of the song.