Naren's indie round-up/ Jan 2024, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Aruna Sairam & Ruupa Raaman/ Raghupati Raaghava

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

The fabulous vocalist Aruna Sairam renders this version of 'Raghupati Raaghava', composed by Ruupa Raaman in raag Miyan Ki Malhar. The recording uses lyrics compiled from the original and the ones written by 17th century poet Shri Lakshmanacharya in the 'Nama Ramayan'.

Sairam's singing has an air of serenity and is spiritually uplifting. She's accompanied by well-known artistes like Sridhar Parthasarathy on Carnatic percussion, Sreedhara Chari on pakhawaj, Ashish Jha on tabla, Narayan Mani on veena, Yogesh More on shehnai and Deepak Borkar on other percussion.

Raaman's composition uses both the vocals and musical arrangements, coordinated by Atul Raninga, in a balanced way.

Neeraj.NRP/ Fiza

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer Neeraj.NRP has been regularly releasing singles, and his previous ones have included 'Fasla', 'Teri Meri' and 'Bambai'. His latest is the pleasant pop ballad 'Fiza'.

Neeraj has written and composed the song himself, and his voice has the right romantic flavour. Produced by Sid Paul, it has a simple and catchy tune, with guitars by Vedant Thakur.

The song begins, "Haan kahin, chal raha hoon main, phoolon sa khil raha hoon main, haath mein jo haath hai tera, har fiza se ghul raha hoon main". The charm continues thereafter.

D.Raashi/ Kya Karu Main

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

A 20-year-old rapper from Gwalior, D.Raashi has teamed up with producer Freak Mason on her new song 'Kya Karoon Main'. Using an Afro beat and rhythm n' blues influences, she sings in her natural style, beginning more like a pop song but getting rap-sier along the way. 

The song talks of anxiety, loneliness and emotions surrounding young people. The ending words are "Kya karoon main, kya kya karoon main, khud ki duniya mein kho si gayee hoon, kya karoon main, kya kya karoon main, sabse alag main hoon si gayee hoon". The lyrics are relatable.

Hashbass feat. Divyam Sodhi/ Ranjha

Promoted by: Misfits Inc

Rating: ***

In this unusual collaboration, indie producer and bassist Hashbass teams up with ghazal singer Divyam Sodhi. Based on the Heer-Ranjha concept, 'Ranjha' talks about a modern-day person carrying on with his own life after separating from his ballad 

Divyam has a wonderful voice, and his enunciation of the Punjabi words is perfect. Though the texture is different, one is reminded of Pakistani singer Javed Bashir. One only wishes the song was longer, with another verse. At just about two minutes, this seems a tad incomplete.

AUR feat. Zayn/ Tu Hain Kahan

Label: Sony Music Middle East

Rating: *** 1/2

AUR is a Pakistani trio comprising Ahad Khan, Umer Ali and Raffey Anwar. While their song 'Tu Hai Kahan' has been a hit, they have teamed up with UK-based Zayn on a new version.

"Tu hai kahaan, khwabon ke is shehar mein mera dil dhoondhta, dhondhta, arsa hua, tujhko dekha nahin tu na jaane chup gaya, chup gaya", go the words, as the sound uses hip-hop and rhythm n' blues flavour.

The song may take a while to grow, but the lyrics have strong impact. Zayn's part is a definite boost. The video, with studio shots, is quite routine though.






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