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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Sanskar Vaidya/ Samay

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Originally from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Mumbai-settled singer-songwriter Sanskar Vaidya has been trained in both Indian and western styles. As such, he has released songs in both Hindi and English.

His new song 'Samay' is from his forthcoming EP Koshishein. The lyrics portray time as a friend, beginning with the line, "Samay, zara ruko to sahi, do baatein karte jaao, yoon na sataao; Samay, meri bhi sunlo kabhi, achche kuchh pal hai yahin, inhe toh na churao".

The guitars are used stylishly, and there's a wonderful solo. There are shades of an U2 influence. To add to the aura, Kamal Kochappan's video has a well-structured sequence of frames, moving from a room to a train to outdoor locales. A lot of ideation has obviously gone into both the sound and the look.

Ramil Ganjoo/ Fursat

Label: Robach

Rating: ***

Another song themed around the passage of time is Mumbai singer-songwriter Ramil Ganjoo's 'Fursat'. The opening lines are, "Dhoondhta phir raha is sheher mein, fursat ke kuchh chand thikaane, agar mile tumhe toh bataana".

Later, the lines move to, "Khudgarz hai waqt, apni hi dhun mein chal raha, aur main peeche chhoota ja raha". The sound uses a blend of acoustic and electronic elements, with Dhananjay Chhetri on electric guitars.

The lyric video uses a string of illustrations by Gaurang Oza. Ramil's next single 'Sandook' is due on November 8. Let's wait.

Utsavi Jha/ Kaisi Hoon Poocho Na

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

Singer Utsavi Jha launched her new EP Khata with a performance at AntiSocial, Lower Parel, earlier this month. The EP has five songs themed around heartbreak, with videos being released in phases.

The video of the last song 'Kaisi Hoon Poocho Na' is now out. The song, produced by Manav, talks about a need to move on after a relationship is over, even while hoping for a reconnection.

Directed by Devansh Ahuja for Karkhana Films, the video has a symbolic sequence showing Utsavi in a caged environment. The visuals match the meaning of the words.

The Western Ghats/ Beshumar 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Based out of Mumbai, The Western Ghats is a band that includes composer-singer Aryaendra Shukla and producer-engineer Sunil George. The sound blends alternative rock, electronic and contemporary pop flavours.

On the new single 'Beshumar', Aryaendra sings about a man returning to a town he once visited with his ex-girlfriend. There's a sense of nostalgia and emptiness on this visit, and he keeps wondering, "Kaise kya hua yeh, tere shehar mein hoon par tu kahaan".

It's a short song with a lot of alternative-influenced guitars in the backdrop. There's a good live vibe.

Swapnil Mistry feat. Priyanka Barve/ Ghar Aayo Re

Label: Salim Sulaiman Music

Rating: *** 1/2

To honour the homecoming of Lord Rama during Diwali, here's a special song 'Ghar Aayo Re' composed and sung by Swapnil Mistry, who is joined by singer Priyanka Barve.

The composition is in raag Bhimpalasi, and uses a wide range of musicians including Chintoo Singh on guitars, S. Akash on flute and Bhagirath Bhatt on sitar. 

The video is a mix of live performance, featuring Odissi and Kathak dance, with clips of Akash Mehta as Lord Ràm and Ankitaa Lande as Sita. It's a lavish production that goes with the festive spirit.






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