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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Jaimin & The Journeymen/ Can't Get Away

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

After his fabulous 2022 album Cutting Loose, Kolkata-based singer-songwriter Jaimin Rajani released the duet 'No Vices' with Kadambari Zokarkar earlier this year. On his latest single, 'Can't Get Away', he collaborates with American group The Bluegrass Journeymen.

The song, which talks about loss, struggle and uncertainty, was conceived after Jaimin met mandolin player Patrick Fitzsimons in Santiniketan. It features an assortment of instruments like mandolin, dobro, cello, guitar, banjo, violin, bass and ukulele. It was recorded as a single track but the instruments were isolated in the studio.

The lyrics are heartfelt and moving, with lines like, "I'll dread the day for long I have known, it was wrong to fall for the quiet before the storm; can't keep at bay waves that hit the shore, can't get the warmth from a frozen heart, you know". Another winner from Jaimin.

Niranjan Menon/ Hum

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer-songwriter Niranjan Menon's new track 'Hum' is a ballad that talks of longing and waiting. The words are, "Choo loon main kaise ki laut aaye khoyi hasee, hoga koi raasta kahin le aaye tujhe jo yahin".

Niranjan has a pleasant voice, and the song builds up slowly. A flute portion adds to the melody. The use of classical nuances give a new flavour, and the 'beh ja' portion at the end lifts the song.

The track may take time to grow but it does so surely.

Shekhar Krishnamoorthy/ Tanha Tanha

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

In 'Tanha Tanha', Shekhar Krishnamoorthy pays tribute to his children Unnati and Ujjwal, who lost their lives in the Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy in Delhi in 1997. The song, nine minutes long, resonates with nostalgia and emotion.

The song talks of the loss and also the fight for justice, and the words are very personal. The depth comes through lines like, "Saath jo bhi hamare hua so hua, aur kis pe na beete yehi hai dua, dard ke bane aise rishte na phir, choo na paaye kisiko yeh gham ka dhuan". 

The video alternates shots of Shekhar singing, with those of him and his wife Neelam offering prayers and clips of family photographs. The song touches a chord.

Arijit Anand/ Raat

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Known for the songs 'Musafir', 'Shor' and 'Khayaal', Bengaluru-based Arijit Anand comes out with another soothing ballad 'Raat'. 

"Yeh jo raat hai, hai jo yeh lamha, rehna nahin mujhe ek pal bhi tanha" he begins, continuing, "Main jo doob jaaoon abhi teri in aankhon mein, mujhe thaam loge zara? Itna bata do mujhe". 

Arijit's singing style is simple, not resorting to any gimmicks. And with words one relates to, backed by pleasant orchestration, he communicates well with the listener.

Chhavi Sodhani/ Nagma

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

On 'Nagma', the second track of her new EP X-Axis Chhavi Sodhani talks about how to bring out one's creative energy after experiencing heartbreak.

"Main laut aati hoon mere pass hi, haan; jab pyaar ka likhoon naghma koi haan", she begins. It's one of those songs where the singer gives credit to her ex-lover for inspiring her love songs. 

Chhavi has written, composed, sung and produced 'Nagma' herself. The song has an unusual orchestration structure which while being haunting, also gives the voice its due space. The lyric video uses appropriate photo stills to go with the words. It all fits in well.




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