Naren's indie round-up/ Sep 2024, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Venserto feat. Psya/ steal A moment

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

This song 'steal A moment' just popped up out of a YouTube algo, and I liked the sound of the guitars. Tried to find out about the singer Venserto but the only thing I was told is that he's a 'musical artist'. Really? Thanks!

Anyway, Venserto seems to be from Mumbai.. probably Navi Mumbai.. as the brilliantly shot video shows a local train, a Nerul sign, a Thane direction board, a precious ring and electric guitars played on a fancy railway platform.

A musical collab between Venserto and Psya (also a musical artist.. yay!), the song itself is dark and angsty. Of the three characters in the video - Venserto and Eshaan play 'idea' and Psya plays 'death'. The lines are a mix of English and Hindi and the sound s very alt-rock with a rap interlude. And what a video! Lesssgooooo! (At 60, I use that phrase too).

The Beatz Crew/ Her Bluesy Soul

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Here's a n ice bluesy stomp by The Beatz Crew, a collective that has performed at the Mahindra Blues Festival and Independence Rock. The foot-tapping 'Her Bluesy Soul' features, in order of appearance, vocalists Niharika Kshatriya, Tania Salaskar, Shruthi Jairam, Navya Deshpande and Brahmari Ninjoor. All teenagers.

The piece had been composed by Felix Hug, who also co-writes the words with Shruthi Jairam, and plays piano and organ. Dual electric guitars, bass and drums lend support.

The song is about feeling blue on a Sunday morning wondering what to do, then writing a song and the experience of playing it the first time. There's more to the story. Play and listen.

Ashwin Adwani/ Adhoore

Label: first.wav 

Rating: ***

Ashwin Adwani, singer-songwriter from Indore, released the likeable single 'Bemausam Baarish' in June. He now comes out with 'Adhoore', a synth-driven pop song.

"Teri har baat pe kyon fanaa hai jahaan, teri har baat mein kho gaya, main kho gaya", sings Ashwin in lyrics credited to Raghav Meattle, Rahul Shah and Shor.

The song has been produced by Bharath, Ashish Zachariah and Shor. The catchy beat and infectious tune make it ideal for club play, though the vocals needed more vibrancy and expression, which one found on 'Bemausam Baarish'.

Sumeet Tappoo/ Jai Jai Ganpati

Label: Times Music Spiritual 

Rating: *** 1/2

After recently releasing the ghazal album Dil Pareshan Karta Hai with lyricist Gulzar and composer Bhavdeep Jaipurwale, singer Sumeet Tappoo comes out with 'Jai Jai Ganpati' for the festive season. This time, he has music by Sudeep Banerji, known as a ghazal singer.

Vikki Nagar writes the words, "Jai Jai Jai Ganpati gananayak, tu hi mangaldaata hai, sab devon mein Gauri nandan pratham poojya kehlata hai". Sumeet has a pleasant voice, and he is accompanied by Amit Choubey on tabla, Ninad Mulaokar on bansuri and Himanshu Tiwari on guitar.

The video showing devotees is appropriate. A good addition to the Ganpati songs collection.

Uttara Keĺkar feat. Aditya G. Nair/ Parvati Nandana

Label: Aditya Nair Productions

Rating: ***

Known for her Marathi bhaktigeet, singer Uttara Keĺkar is joined by young artiste Aditya G. Nair on 'Parvati Nandana', a song for Lord Ganesha. It's a must for this season if you're looking for a new Marathi devotional song.

Words are by Kautuk Shirodkar, who utilises themes associated with Ganpati. Music is by Pravin Kuvar, who uses flute and percussion prominently. The coordination between the singers is good, and the song leaves you on a spiritual high.


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