Naren's indie round-up/ May 2024, Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Akanksha Sethi/ Majra

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

After a spate of solo singles, singer Akanksha Sethi teamed up with Vasudha Sharma on the song 'Suljhi Si Zindagi' a few months ago. She has now released her solo number 'Majra'.

Devansh Ahuja's video goes perfectly with the song, which talks of a woman beginning a new life after ending a 'wrong' relationship. There's a lot of optimism both in the words and video, as Akanksha sings, "Khil si gayee hoon main, aaine mein jo dekhoon, dhoondhti hoon naye naghme, jinse ho jaoon ru-ba-ru".

The song has been produced and arranged by Sid Paul, who uses keyboards and rhythms appropriately. The tune grows after a few listens 

Ekansh Mamgai/ Mahiya Ve

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Delhi-based singer-songwriter Ekansh Mamgai's new song 'Mahiya Ve' is a romantic ballad that is simple and has no frills. "Mahiya ve, teri baahon mein, soye hum yoon rahe, yeh na pal beetein", he sings.

While the composition is pleasant, the sound gets a bit tinny and rough in the middle and at the end. Interestingly he uses an English line only in passing. It seems forced, as the Hindi lyrics are good enough.

Kidshot/ Mainland

Label: Molfa Music 

Rating: ***

Inspired by the dark side of Mumbai, rapper Kidshot's new release 'Mainland' talks about betrayal and revenge. The cutting-edge video by Yuvarajaago reflects the pain in the lyrics, which also talk of how suffering makes one stronger.

The song begins with the line, "Duniya yeh plastic hai, main toh jala bhi nahin sakta hoon matchsticks se, nahin Plan B alag hi yeh fabric hai, wo hai flexi karein gymnastics nahin". Typical rap lingo.

Kidshot describes his sound as cinematic hip-hop. It's got that underworld gangsta flick look, alright.

Rhea Raj/ Hush

Label: Misschief Records

Rating: ***

An Indo-Sri Lankan brought up in the US, Rhea Raj has released her eight-track album Hunter. The second single 'Hush' is also out as a lyrics video.

The track has a cool dance-pop vibe and is clearly aimed at the younger generation. The words go, "I'm Miss Temptation, you wanna know, imagination, where does it go?"

Spread over 18 minutes, the album uses 'the hunted' and 'the hunter' as a theme, talking of love, empowerment and sexual identity. With different producers involved, one hears different styles.

Kaustubh Patil/ Anitya

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

After releasing vocal songs in English, composer Kaustubh Patil goes in for a guitar instrumental on 'Anitya'. It's a simple, two-minute piece with a lovely melody line and a soothing air.

The tune is inspired by the concept of impermanence and change, and the way surprises or shocks come in the journey of life. It's played with subtlety and the tune lingers.



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