Naren's indie round-up/ Dec 2024, Ep 3


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Antariksh/ Jee Le Zara (Acoustic)

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Fronted by Varun Rajput, Delhi band Antariksh released the Hindi-rock song 'Jee Le Zara' four years ago. It now comes out with an acoustic version, to complete its compilation album Quest.

It's a motivational song with the lines "Sapne udhaar ke man se nikaal de, kyun tu hai jee raha lamhe bekaar ke, jee le zara, kar manmaniyan, kyon de raha tu kurbaniyaan". The writing has been credited to Ankit Sengar, Joshua Peter and Varun.

Some intricate acoustic guitaring and controlled back-up vocals accompany Varun's vocals in this pep-up number.

Varun Dhabe/ Kaise Kahe

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

In 'Kaise Kahe', singer-composer Varun Dhabe  talks about longing and words left unsaid. The song has a vibrant tune and strong production, with Varun also playing slide guitar and keyboards.

The lyrics have been written by Shivam Srivastava and Varun. There's some interesting use of words like, "Saath tera bhi hai ek saaya sa, haathon mein tere lakeeron ka nishaan, hil gaya armaanon ka samaa, aaj mein tere lakeeron ka nishaan".

The line "Noor bhi hai aas bhi tu, geet bhi hai saaz bhi tu" are sung on repeat at the end, providing a smooth transition.

Rahul Shah/ Jazbaat

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

On his new single 'Jazbaat', composer and producer Rahul Shah addresses those grappling with self-love and fear, telling them one can always move ahead in life.

After the slow introduction, "Jaante the hum nahin, tohfa kya laayee zindagi, uski aas rahi, jo mil saka nahin", the tempo picks up till Rahul concludes with the line, "Jhoothe nahin hai yeh jazbaat". The song's keyboards and guitar backdrop lends vibrancy.

Rahul has earlier released singles like 'Zaroori Nahin', 'Woh Kaun Tha' and 'Aasani', besides writing songs for Raghav Meattle, Shreya Jain and Utsavi Jha. Quite prolific, for sure.

Shai/ Heera

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ** 1/2

Raised between India and the UK, Shai has been hugely influenced by London's club sounds. On 'Heera', she teams up with producer NDS to create a foot-tapping dance number.

While the song is strong on energy and rhythm, the words are often not clear, as the primary effort is to sing in a superfast speed. But you do make out she's singing for her partner, as lines like "Tu hi hai tu hi hai tu hai mera heera" and "Tu hi hai mera raanjha" become apparent after a few listens.

It's good as party music for millennials. Don't bother about the words.

Project Damru feat. Isheeta Chakrvarty, Soumitra Thakur/ Moh

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Project Damru is the creation of Ashish Jha, musician shuttling between Mumbai and Goa. He has now released his third single 'Moh', which talks of unrequited love.

The sound is an amalgam of electronica, Indian semi-classical, world beat and cinematic flavours, with Isheeta Chakrvarty on vocals and Soumitra Thakur on sitar. Beginning with the words, "Yaad hai kuch bhi hamari Kanhaiya, kahoon kya main tere bhoolne ki main maari", it suddenly picks up. Violin, keyboards and sweeping orchestral arrangements are part of the mix, using the sitar as the backbone.

Isheeta, who had sung in Project Damru's previous single Kaa, once again shows her finesse, and the production is first-rate

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