Naren's indie round-up/ Jan 2025, Ep.2



BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Kavita Seth/ Maine Muddat Se

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *****

Though singer Kavita Seth is generally known for the hit 'Iktara' and the film version of the traditional 'Rang Saari', her repertoire is much wider. Here she comes out with the stunning nazm 'Maine Muddat Se', based on a poem by Waseem Barelvi.

The song has been produced by Kavita's son Kanishk Seth, and a highlight is the way ID Rao's clarinet and flute, Zion Matthew's piano and Bhushan Chitnis's guitar have been used in the backdrop. The video, directed by Pankhuri Ranjan, shows the singer expressing different moods.

Of course, it's the words that stand out, as Kavita sings, "Maine muddat se koi khwab nahin dekha hai". Roses, dew, the sun, moon, distant villages and streams are used as metaphors before she ends, "Haath rakh de meri aankhon pe ke neend aa jaaye". Brilliant.

Jonita Gandhi/ Channa

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Canada-bred singer Jonita Gandhi comes out with her new single 'Channa'. It's a Punjabi number which talks of nostalgia and longing. Lines like "Kaash intezaar mera tu bhi yoon karein" blend with the English chant "Please don't keep me waiting".

Interestingly, four people (Shayra Apoorva, Siddhant Bhosle, Neversober and Jonita herself) are credited with writing the song. While one wonders why so many writers were necessary, the song has a catchy tune which isn't really out-of-the-box but has that humalong vibe.

Bhavna Kankaria's video, starring Jonita and Gurfateh Pirzada, uses a feeling of current loneliness with many flashback shots. It's a classy video which blends with the song's mood.

High feat. Swapnalie Sachddev & Risshie S. Sachdeva/ Aarzoo 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Comprising the husband-wife team of Risshie S. Sachdeva and Swapnalie Sachddev, High comes out with the single 'Aarzoo'. It's a romantic number written by Divyanshraaj, with the main line being 'Aarzoo aarzoo hai teri, hai pasand, hai pasand tu meri".

Team Framescape's video captures some wonderful shots in the woods near Kasar Devi in Uttarakhand. Some excellent footage with tree backdrops and stunning drone views give it a picturesque look.

The song, composed by Risshie, has a pleasant tune with some intricate guitarwork. Risshie is guitarist and driving force of Delhi jazz-funk band Syncopation, but High has a completely different style. 

Prakhar Johan/ Rafu

Label: Ka Kha Ga Productions

Rating: ****

Written in free-flowing lyrical style is 'Rafu', composed and sung by Prakhar Jojan, and written by Neerav. Lines like "Pyaar ki koi katran lekar rafu kar dena" are sung with natural expression.

The song is aided by a marvellous video with a very relatable storyline and Kathak theme that bring out nostalgia. Directed by Shubham Negi and Udit Raj Somani, it features Babita Madan, Sukriti and Tanish Batla.

Samarth Janwe's music goes pleasantly with the composition, with Naveen Rao's tabla giving the right touch. Prakhar has a certain pleasantness in his voice and the depth of the words gives him a chance to be heartfelt.

Anoushka Shankar, Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar/ Hiraeth

Label: Leiter Verlag

Rating: ****

Sitar player Anoushka Shankar and sarod exponent Alam Khan bring back memories of their respective fathers Pt Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, as they get together on the instrumental 'Hiraeth'. They are joined on drums and percussion by Sarathy Korwar, who has also produced the piece.

Part of Anoushka's forthcoming album Chapter III: We Return To Light, 'Hiraeth' has a very contemporary arrangement, though it uses phrases from raag Palas Kafi, once played by Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan. The loop-like build-up and climax lend a modern flavour.

The track also features Nina Harris on double bass and regular Anoushka accompanist Pirashana Thevarajah on kanjira. It's a tune that grows on repeated listening.





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