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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Varijashree Venugopal feat. Bela Fleck/ Ranjani

Label: GroundUP Music

Rating: ****

Bengaluru singer Varijashree Venugopal's new song 'Ranjani' is based on the raag of the same name. While her composition uses brisk and wonderfully-controlled sargam phrases, it goes into global territory though appearances by banjo player Bela Fleck, of recent Grammy fame, and producer Michael League of the American jazz-fusion band Snarky Puppy, playing the Moog Matriarch and Minimoog bass.

The song, from Varijashree's forthcoming album Vari, also features B.C. Manjunath on mridangam and konnakol and Pramath Kiran on assorted percussion, besides a violin trio, thavil, chende and nadaswaram. Quite a diverse mix, represented by an animated video by Sant Mote and Akshaya Bhimaya. Of course, it's Varijashree's immaculate phrasing that enhances the piece.

M.D. Pallavi feat. Andi Otto/ Velvet Flicker (from Buddha-Bar XXVI)

Label: George V Records 

Rating; ***

Another Bengaluru singer M.D. Pallavi has the privilege of appearing on the latest Buddha-Bar compilation, No XXVI in the series. She joins German electronic producer Anti Otto on 'Velvet Flicker', in an edit remixed by Bliz Nochi and Emil Jourjou.

Buddha-Bar has been a lounge music series promoted by the Parisian restaurant of the same name since the early 2000s. In-house DJ Ravin has produced the latest compilation. This track has Pallavi singing melodic sargams. The ending seems too sudden strangely, like the power line suddenly going off.

In fact, the new compilation also has a song 'Aatma', dedicated to river Ganga. Produced by German electronic artiste TraBBarT, it features flautist Mithun Bairagi. Sadly, the female singer hasn't been credited.

Talwinder with Tech Panda X Kenzani/ Heer

Label: Groovebird Records

Rating; ***

In yet another collab, Delhi-based electronica duo Tech Panda X Kenzani tie up with California-based Punjabi pop star Talwinder on the foot-tapping 'Heer'. The song is built around a Punjabi folk tune sample by an unnamed female voice, and backed by Afro-inspired drums and piano.

Talwinder has a pleasant voice and flexible style, and he's released a string of singles since 2018. Comprising Rupinder Nanda and Kedar Santwani, Tech Panda X Kenzani have also been prolific, besides being active on the live circuit. Both acts have their fan following in the younger generation, and there should be a good crossover fan base with this association.

Justin-Uday Duo feat. Anand Bhaskar/ Naraazi

Label: Judo Music & Films

Rating: ****

Comprising Justin Yesudas and Udayakumar Ninjoor, the Mumbai-based Justin-Uday Duo has been active as composers in advertising jingles and background scores, besides indie songs. They collaborate with vocalist Anand Bhaskar on their new song 'Naraazi'.

The song has a pop-rock feel with some neat guitars by Durwin D'Souza and David Sinchury. Akshay Raje Shinde's lyrics tell the tale of a young and successful couple whose life is suddenly marred when the wife gets killed in an accident.

As such, Amal Antony's illustrated video based on Uday's story idea goes perfectly with the song. In fact, it's a great example of how audio and visual should be synced in song presentation. Kudos for that! Hope those who shottlist video awards don't turn a blind eye.

Usama Allati feat. Pooja Mazoomdar/ Winter Wine

Project by: Music Exceeds Borders

Rating: *** 1/2

It seems to be a week of collaborations. We conclude with 'Winter Wine', a soothing instrumental featuring Palestine guitarist Usama Allati and featuring Mumbai bassist Pooja Mazoomdar.

It's a project where Usama has laid down and played the main guitar melody and invited musicians from different regions, mainly bassists, to add their parts for YouTube presence. The tune has a wonderful catchniness, using a double neck guitar and having a Santana-eque structure. Pooja, who also releases music under the Sound of Muzak banner, appears in the middle of the video. Percussions are by Canada-based Nabil Durzi.

The song is part of the Music Exceeds Borders, whose name itself conveys a strong message in these times.

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