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


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Zehen/ O Raahi

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *****

Though Bengaluru band Zehen has been performing live for some time, 'O Raahi' is its first original studio release. And what a way to go, as the song talks about speaking to one's inner child with the assurance of a perfect future.

Vocalist Tanushree Dwivedi, who's also written the lyrics, sings, "O raahi, le chal mujhko, raahon mein hi jee loongi, manzilon mein kya rakha hai?" Composer Ashley Joseph blends a melodious hook with intricate solos on the violin (by Krishnaraj MP) and electric guitar (James Stephenus).

The animation video, created by Shaun Fernandes and produced by Harsh Vardhan Singh, is first-rate too, going with the inspiring nature of the song. This one should appeal to both the younger generation and those slightly elder.

Kidshot & Kalaam Ink/ Do Shabd

Label: Molfa Music 

Rating: ***

Two rappers unite on 'Do Shabd'. Mumbai-based Rahul Khadtare aka Kidshot collaborates with Atul Dhobal aka Kalaam Ink of Dehradun, and both tell stories of their journeys.

There's the usual amount of name-dropping (Shah Rukh, Dravid, Gandhi find a mention), some routine dissing, some explicit lingo and some brand mentions. 

The two rappers have their individual parts and the lyrics video keeps going so fast you can never read a full line at one go. But the lyric-writing is crisp, at times witty, and mirrors the thoughts of the youth.

Kavya Singh/ Udd Jaaun

Label: First.wav

Rating: *** 1/2

Here's a simple song in less than three minutes by Delhi-based Kavya Singh. Titled 'Udd Jaaun', it has lines like, "Samajh na paaun main kaise samjhaaun, yeh kya mujhe yoon kyon hone laga, dil karein ban kahin parinda, udd jaaun, udd jaaun".

The song talks of newfound love, with words written by Amarjeet Syali, and tune composed by the singer herself. The production by Kevin Shaji aka Pina Colada Blues lends polish.

Kavya has a melodious voice and heartfelt expression. Besides singing for the Anirudh Varma Collective, she has released the solo single 'Kahaani'. This is a good addition to her repertoire.

Vaani Bhasin/ Brave

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Delhi-based singer-songwriter Vaani Bhasin released the song 'Spotlight' earlier this year, talking about the bond she shared with her sister. Now she's out with 'Brave', which tackles to totally different subject.

The song is about the inner complexities of love, and the struggle to find inner strength. On the one hand, she talks of nostalgic moments, singing, "Oh I hope that I come back, oh and feel the way that I felt, when we danced in the moonlight and waited for the sun to rise". 

Yet it also talks of staying brave when things are falling apart. With her strong vocals and a pop-rock feel, Vaani creates a song people can relate to.

The Sandcats/ Lounge Lizards

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

In their debut single 'Lounge Lizards', Bengaluru alternative rock band The Sandcats explore themes of loss and regret. The sound is a mix of garage rock, post-punk and early 2000s indie-rock, with apparent influences of The Strokes, Weezer, Arctic Monkeys and the Killers.

The duo comprises songwriter, singer and guitarist Ritwik Bhaumik and bassist-guitarist Brahmos Ryan Sharma. A good amount of angsty energy they put up. 



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