Naren's indie round-up/ August 2924, Ep 1



BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Kitanu/ How The Tables Turn 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Progressive rock meets Indian classical sarod on 'How The Tables Turn', the latest track by eclectic Delhi band Kitanu. "Can't you see the irony of everything we tend to be, tragedy of a meant to be, was I tripping on the doors of destiny", sings vocalist Siddhant Sarkar, who written the lyrics.

Sarod player Rohan Prasanna does some virtuoso playing, playing phrases parallel to the vocal line. While guitarist Omkar Raghupatruni and bassist Pranav Wahi are part of the line-up, the band has collaborated with drummer Rijul Victor on this track.

After the vocal section, almost two and a half minutes of instrumental improvisation bring the seven-minute tune to a rousing climax. Stylishly done.

Arriv Madan feat. Advy Madan & Hitesh Rikki Madan/ Muzmahil

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer-guitarist Hitesh Rikki Madan has been performing with his sons Aariv and Advy for a while now. Their trio is now called AAHRMb.

The new song 'Muzmahil', Urdu for anguish, has been sung by Aariv. It's a pop-rock number with Hitesh playing guitars and Advy on drums. As the title suggests, the song is about love and heartbreak. The lyrics are co-wriiten by Arriv, his mother Payal and Hitesh, with the main line, "Muzmahil aur khafa, bechain khaamakha".

The video, directed by Vishesh Verma, has a youthful look. As such, it's targeted at the younger generation.

Long Distance/ Bechara 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Long Distance is a duo based out of Los Angeles and Toronto. Comprising Regal Brown and SuTheProducer, who have roots in Delhi, the pair is now out with their new track 'Bechara'.

The song is about corporate herd mentality and the need to do something individual to stand out. The story of the loser is conveyed through lines like, "Main toh bechara, duniya se haara, badhta chala jaa raha, thokaron ka dulara, main toh bechara".

The animated video goes well with the theme, as it depicts a winner who marches ahead in the corporate rat race. It's a subject people will identify with.

Joel Fernando/ Keh Na Paau

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

As a flautist, Joel Fernando has been active in films and OTT series. He has also composed and arranged some tracks, the latest being 'Keh Na Paau'.

The song has been written by Joel and Yash Jathar, with vocals by Brahmatej Patil and Radhika Nandey. Brecilla Dsouza's backing vocals and Joel's flute provides the perfect layering.

It's a simple love song relying on the lyrics "Kaise main jeeyoon tere bin". The words and arrangements are pleasing to the ear.

Saudur & Nupur Pant/ Tum Milo Toh Sahi

Label: Tips Originals

Rating: ***

Shivam Pal and Sakshi Joshi star in the video of 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi', sung by Saudur and Nupur Pant. The song is conveyed through a short film-like narrative which talks of a girl visiting the shop of a tapriwala who slowly develops feelings for her.

Written and composed by Saudur, the song has a driving melody, and lines like "Tum milo toh sahi, tum milte hi nahin". There are other characters, who visit the tapri, and the tale has a twist in the end. Nothing new, with limited expressions by the actors, but it's a simple video.




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