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


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Anirudh Varma Collective/ Rut Sawan Ki

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Anirudh Varma Collective from Delhi is known to blend classical raags with modern arrangements. On the rain song 'Rut Sawan Ki', the choice is raag Shankara.

Singers Suhavi Kalsi and Basundhara Roy Munshi are joined by Anirudh Varma on keys and Rohan Prasanna on sarod. The line-up is completed by guitarist Shrikant Biswakarma, bassist Madhur Chaudhary, drummer Suyash Gabriel and tabla player Saptak Sharma.

The tune has a wonderful melody, and the coordination between the singers is smooth. Anirudh once again proves his brilliance at seamless fusion.

Prateeksha Srivastava/ Barkha

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer Prateeksha Srivastava has been regularly releasing singles, with 'Jiya Kaanch Ka', 'Darmiyaan' and 'Saathi Tu Vaada Kar' part of her repertoire. She collaborates with producer Suyash and co-composer Danny on 'Barkha'.

A rain song, it starts on a folksy note, and has the lines, "Barkha aayo re, ghanan ghana ghan, barkha aayo re, prem barsayo jhanana jhana jhana, barkha aayo re". There's a metaphor comparing the arrival of rain with that of a beloved.

The song has an upbeat vibe, with catchy rhythms and a clubby flavour. It goes well with Prateeksha's melodious voice.

Darshan Raval/ Kinni Soni 

Label: Warner Music India

Rating: ***

The boy sings, "Kitni soni lagdee hai tere haathon mein yeh mehndi". That's a good enough hint that the video of Darshan Raval's new song 'Kinni Soni' has an all-out filmi narrative. 

Directed by Arif Khan, the video starring Darshan and Shruti Sharma has a story that's been told a thousand times before, right down to the tragic climax.

On its own, the song has a lilt, and Gurpreet Saini's lyrics tell the story of Mr Loverboy and his fate well. Kamrul Ahmed had a nice flute section. A case of the audio being fresher than the video.

Deepa Shakthi/ Daras Tere Ki

Label: Asli Music

Rating: *****

London-based singer Deepa Shakthi was first noticed in 2015 with her album Destination. She has since recorded some heartfelt Sikh hymns like 'Nanak Naam' and 'Ooch Apaar'.

Deepa now renders a Gurbani shabd penned by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The opening lines are, "Daras tere ki pyaas man laagi, sehaj anand basai bairaagi" (My soul is thirsty for Thy vision, absorbed in Thy love, I abide in equipoise and bliss).

Though Deepa is originally from Kerala, her Punjabi diction is perfect, and her soulful voice lends a spiritual air. Another highlight is that she's accompanied only by Sanjoy Das's guitar, with marvellous production by K.J. Singh. There's a feeling of serenity one experiences.

Omam Dawn/ Barnacles In Mumbai 

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

On her visit to Mumbai last year, UK-based musician Amy Dawn aka Omam Dawn was inspired to write a song while walking on the shoreline at Khar Danda. 'Barnacles In Mumbai' thus talks about love and relationships and the joy one experiences by the sea. 

The singer, who released the song 'Purple Flowers' last year, uses a vibrant guitar-based sound on the new song. There's a seaside video too, with shots of crustaceans which seem to know their dance steps.



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