Naren's indie round-up/ May 2024, Ep 2

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Taba Chake/ Kahani

Promoted by: Believe 

Rating: ****

While Arunachal Pradesh-born singer Taba Chake's new song 'Kahani' is likeable in its own right, it's the video that takes it to another level. Playing the lead is an old couple, whose love for each other remains undiminished despite challenges.

Directed by Bengia Morto, the video shows an array of characters, making it a family film. The lines go, "Maine likhi hai kahaniyan, tere liye main sapne dekhoon, yaadon se Judi teri baatein hain, kho na jaaoon un pal mein".

Taba has a natural style of singing, which suits this song's story-telling style format. The guitars build up the mood. And the old couple deserve a pat for performance.

Apurva Kedia/ Chal

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Originally from Ranchi and now settled in Mumbai, singer-songwriter Apurva Kedia had released her single 'Kusum' last year. She's now out with her new song 'Chal'.

The words talk of two lovers who want to stay together forever, away from the rest of the world. The song concludes, "Chal nadi ke paar chal, door apna des hai".

The song has an acoustic feel, using guitars predominantly. Jimmy Prasad's arrangements are subtle, and the interlude has a dreamy air.

The Revisit Project/ Never Too Far

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

The Revisit Project consists of a talented bunch of musicians, whose sound fits in the contemporary jazz and funk space. The latest song 'Never Too Far' sees elements of 1990s smooth jazz and rhythm n' blues too.

The song talks of how distance can make a relationship grow fonder. Vrinda Dhar sings, "Remember you will always keep a piece of my heart, never too far."

The musicians are captured live on video by Shrey Gupta. Abhay Sharma has a neat soprano saxophone solo, and keyboardist Rhythm Bansel, bassist Karan Wadhwa and drummer Aditya Bhagavatula provided supple accompaniment. Pranay Verma has a smooth guitar coda which fades out too suddenly. That outro could have been extended a bit.

Lal And The People/ Cryin' Shame

Brought by: Perpetualbuzz Entertainment 

Rating: ***

The brainchild of vocalist-guitarist Rohit Lalwani, Lal And The People are now out with their new song 'Cryin Shame'. It's got the band's trademark blues-rock influence, complete with crisp guitar and organ solos.

The video comes through a life performance in a matchbox-type room with glass windows, alternating with shots of outdoor flora and fauna.

The song talks of accepting life as it unfolds, as frontman Lal sings, "A question that plagues the circle, what for is this about? Is it worth the effort? Seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel, it's a crying shame". It's delivered with the right dose of expression.

Dev Mehta/ Am I Wrong To Be Human?

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Citing Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder, Kurt Cobain and John Mayer as his influences, Vadodara-born, Mumbai-settled Dev Mehta says he likes to write songs that make people think. It was evident in his earlier release 'In My Mind' and likewise, his new song 'Am I Wrong To Be Human?' poses valid questions.

"Where did we go wrong, tell me? Where do we belong, tell me?" sings Dev. The song has smart guitars and drums, and the singer has a pleasant voice that expresses his emotions clearly. The ending with the line "Am I wrong?" on loop and it's guitar backdrop is well-done.



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