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


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

HanuMankind feat. Kalmi/ Big Dawgs

Label: Universal Music India/ Def Jam 

Rating: ****

After debuting at No 57 on the Billboard Hot 100, Kerala-born rapper HanuMankind's new track 'Big Dawgs' surpassed Kendrick Lamar and Eminem on Spotify's Global Top 50 charts. Though he had attracted a following with 'Go To Sleep' last year, the new track has made him a star in the rap world.

The song is an energetic number, produced by Kalmi. The catchy start sets the tempo, as HanuMankind sings, "Wait a minute, get it how you live it, ten toes in when we're standing on business, I'm a big stepper, underground methods, top-notch hoes gets the most, not the lesser".

The song on its own is a typical rapper, but what sets the release apart is Bijoy Shetty's daredevil video where motorcycles and vehicles perform stunts in the 'wall of death'. Clearly, one of the funkiest videos put out over the past couple of years. It's a great break for HanuMankind. Let's hope the frenzy stays on.

Shriya Rao/ Like That

Label: Self-released 

Rating; ***

Though she's only 18, Mumbai singer Shriya Rao already has five releases in her bio-data before the new one 'Like That'.

Her style is inspired by contemporary rhythm n' blues, with simple lyrics declaring, "He's always on my mind" and "I love the way you talk to me".

The video by Varun Kanakia and Abhay Mehta is a simple black n' white affair with Shriya dressed in black, in an array of close-ups. Aimed at the younger gen.

Anuv Jain/ Jo Tum Mere Ho

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Popular singer Anuv Jain is known for songs like 'Baarishen', 'Alag Aasman' and 'Gul'. His latest single 'Jo Tum Mere Ho' is another love song, which though aimed at the younger generation, may also appeal to someone older.

Technically, the writing doesn't stick to metre, making some parts sound monotonous. But Anuv has a pleasant voice texture, and the accompaniment of Harsimran Singh Bhatia's acoustic guitar is wonderful.

The lyrics are full of clichés like "Aur tum ho hi nahin toh main jeena nahin chahoon duniya mein". To compensate, there's a simple and relatable video directed by Sanjna + Rohan, and starring Farzana Palathingal and Balagopal PB. Anuv's fans are catered to.

Gini/ Chaukhat (acoustic)

Label: Molfa Music

Rating: *****

After her likeable 'Ansuna', reviewed in this blog earlier this year, singer-songwriter gini releases the acoustic 'Chaukhat'. She's in her late teens, and once again displays maturity in her writing and rendition.

"Chaukhat pe khade ho kyon, samjhao mujhe rubaru, yeh kaise hua, kahaan se dhuaan, saanjh pe chaaya ban gaya", she begins, using the right expression and enunciation in her vocal delivery. The acoustic guitar by Dhananjay Chhetri, gentle in the beginning but picking up mid-way, provides an ideal backdrop.

Bhavna Kankaria's video is simple, showing the singer in a green sari, sitting on the footsteps to symbolise 'chaukhat'.

Anand Bhagat/ Duniya

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Here's some good world music with a Hindi base. 'Duniya', released by Mumbai percussionist and composer Anand Bhagat, blends African music with the Hindi lines 'Duniya se le jaana kya'.

The song has been co-composed and produced by Sanjay Divecha, known for his guitar skills. It was inspired by Anand's visit to West Africa a decade ago. Thus there are vibrant rhythms, crisp guitars, an Afro-jazz vibe and masterly arrangements, with some free vocals and choruses at the end. Best of all, the vocal line stays back as an earworm. 





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