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


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Remo Fernandes/ Rain, Rain, Rain

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Goan star Remo Fernandes recorded the song 'Rain, Rain, Rain' last year but couldn't complete the video because it suddenly became sunny. So he waited for the first heavy ahowers this year to complete it.

The song has a nice pop-rock feel with twangy guitars and a catchy hook. The lines begin, "Rain, rain, rain, you wash away my pain, pain, pain, you break away my chain, chain, chain, oh keep on raining, rain".

It's a happy rain sing that invokes a sense of nostalgia. And the video, shot and edited by Remo himself, has a green and wet look thar makes it fresh.

Vernon D'Souza/ Gypsy On The Run

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Recently, we heard singer Vernon D'Souza present the classic 'Unchained Melody' live at the Timeless.. Always & Forever show in Mumbai. His new solo original 'Gypsy On The Run' is a complete contrast, as it comes in the biker-rock space.

Vernon's raspy voice has that angsty expression as he sings against herd mentality, and talks of freedom and rebellion. The line "I'm a gypsy on the run" captures the song's spirit, and the lead guitar solo is a treat. Souvik Adak's production is perfect.

The video has that rugged roadside look that goes with the rock vibe.

Rahul Deshpande/ Savala Shrihari Savali Pandhari 

Promoted by: Aditya Nair Productions

Rating: *** 1/2

To mark Ashadi Ekadashi on July 17, Pune-based singer Rahul Deshpande released 'Savala Shrihari Savali Pandhari' as a dedication to Lord Vitthal. Presented in the abhang style, the Marathi song has been written by Shubham Dhadve, with music by Ankit Pashte.

Rahul's singing is natural as always, and the choruses blend well with his rendition. Dhaval Joshi's flute plays an important role and Omkar Ingawale's rhythms lend vibrancy. 

The video alternates studio footage of Deshpande with scenes from the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur. It's a timely release, and Deshpande adds value.

Shashwat Singh & Akanksha Bhandari with Adwait Sawant/ Faasle

Label: Merchant Records 

Rating: ***

Singers Shashwat Singh and Akanksha Bhandari get together on 'Faasle', composed by Advait Sawant. The song has an electro-pop flavour, club feel and a certain catchiness.

As the title suggests, the song is about the distance existing between two people. Lyricist Deepak Yadav begins with the lines, "Bematlab se yeh faasle, tadapaaye hamein yeh faasle" after which Shashwat sings, "Faasle mit jaaye".

The video directed by Aakib Siddique is rather routine. The artificial expressions are of no help.

Aishwarya Majumdar feat. Prithvi Gandharv/ Jogii

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Singer Aishwarya Majumdar's new song 'Jogii', which she's written and composed herself, has a Sufiana flavour and some fantastic arrangements by Debarpito Saha. Singer Prithvi Gandharv makes a brief appearance.

A highlight is Manthan Modi's video shot in the dessert terrain of Kutch. Prateek Parmar stars as the object of a lady's attention.

The song begins with the lines, "Jogi aankhon ke tale se koi khwaab le gaya, ojhal nainon ke nainon se parchayee kar gaya" followed by "Dil laggeya ve Ranjha tere naal". The combination of Aishwarya's voice, the rich arrangements and Dipesh Verma's rhythm programming is fabulous.




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