Naren's indie round-up/ Feb 2024, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Antariksh/ Karwaan

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

There have been numerous songs where road trips and travel have been used as metaphors to convey the thought that the actual journey is more important than the destination. But when someone like Delhi band Antariksh does it, there has to be something unique.

Fronted by vocalist-guitarist Varun Rajput, the band's new song 'Karwaan' is a fabulous example of what tight music is all about. The electric guitars by Varun and Shrikant Biswakarma have their own story to tell, with Sahil Dhingra's bass and Arko Ganguly's drums knitted to the main melody.

The lyrics, shared by Varun and Arko, have lines like, "Jaane kyon yeh mera vaadiyon mein kho sa gaya, manzil ki karein kyon fikar, jab manzil hai itna khushnuma". As we said, it's a feeling that's been expressed often before. But the execution is superb, leaving you high with the interaction of guitars and back-up vocals towards the end.

Siddhant Goenka/ Farishtey

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

The unique feature of this video is that it's entirely made using artifical intelligence tools. Kolkata-based Siddhant Goenka's 'Farishtey' has some fabulous images showing an olden-day field battle, blending the message of the dangers of war with reactions to victory.

The song has a Hindi pop-rock feel, complete with a striking guitar solo. The vocals have a certain rasp, but needed more flexibility and emotional depth. To make up, the lyrics use dark lines like, "Baarishon mein bheegey hum, kahani shuru kab khatam, toote waade kaanch jaise, dil mein chubby har dam".

Pratham Sheth's production is commendable. But the song works mostly because of the video.

Vasuda Sharma & Akanksha Sethi/ Suljhi Si Zindagi 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

After beginning with the Channel V-created group Aasma, singer Vasuda Sharma has consistently released good solo songs. On her latest 'Suljhi Si Zindagi', she teams up with singer Akanksha Sethi.

The song is about how people choose complexity over simplicity, and the past over the present. "Suljhi si hai zindagi, uljhe hue sirf hum, rakh rahe hain har pal, phoonk phoonk kar kadam", the words begin. Simple and effective.

Vasudha's composition uses harmonies and humming effectively. Chaitanya Bhaidkar's guitars and Vatan Dhuriya's keys bind the tune. And yes, the song has a sing-along factor.

Aalok Gandhi/ Shayari

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Having stayed in the US, singer-songwriter Aalok Gandhi decided to shift to Mumbai. His first single 'Shayari' is an ode to a loved one.

What works in favour of the song is the simple composition, shared by Aalok, Angad Uday and K.S. Abhishek, and the lyrics by Abhishek. The song ends, "Hai dua meri ek din yeh geet tumko mile, likha hai maine tere liye, tere liye, tere liye, har shayari meri, tere liye".

Aalok has a boyish voice which sounds pleasant in the middle register. However, some awkwardness creeps in when he tries to stretch himself and get into the higher notes. The flute part is refreshing, adding value to the song.

Rosha × Jakhar feat. SAGE/ Hum Hi Nahin Hai

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Gurugram-based duo Rosha × Jakhar blend hip-hop with rhythm n' blues elements on their new single 'Hum Hi Nahin Hai'. The song, also featuring SAGE, is about a toxic relationship, and hence one finds emotions of betrayal before moving into a more positive zone of overcoming those feelings.

The tune is played over a piano melody and raw hip-hip beats, with the chorus using an RnB flavour. It's the first song from their forthcoming four-track EP. Look forward to the rest.