Naren's indie round-up/ March 2025, Ep 1


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Salman Elahi/ Elahi (album)

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *****

Hailing from Kaimganj in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai-settled singer-songwriter Salman Elahi first hit the headlines with his song 'Pahadon Mein' five years ago. He's now out with his album Elahi, and what strikes you again is the simplicity of the songs and the honesty of the writing. Here's a set that grows with each listen, making it one of the best releases of the past few months.

The single 'Mukhatib', released with its video in September, sets the tone with lines like, "Dekho yeh duniya kitni haseen, aur tum toh kuchh kam nahin" and "Hai waqt abhi bhi, khud se ek baar mil, umeed ke bageeche mein banke tu phool khil". The song has a wonderful acoustic version, with Subhashree Purkayastha joining on vocals.

The songs are mostly motivational, talking of the ups and downs of life, and dealing with situations. 'Raza', accompanied by a beautiful video shot in Kashmir, talks of faith in the higher power through the words, "Na fikr-e-farda na gham-e-maazi, main khuda ki har raza mein raazi".

The compositions are simple, mainly using acoustic guitar and keyboards, but occasionally getting into flute and strings. There's a consistency in style, which may sound monotonous on early listen, but slows builds on your senses.

Basically, the words and expression make a difference. Most songs are written by Salman himself, and he comes up with some wonderful lines, sometimes using Urdu judiciously. Like, 'Safar' has "Lamba hai yeh tera safar, rukna yahaan hai mana; badalega tu kitne shaher paane ko apne mukaam". 'Shikwe Gile' talks of a search for peace and happiness. 'Khidkli', talks of the perils of city life - "Yeh sheheron ki duniya aasaan nahin, hai tedhe-medhe raste yahaan".

There's also 'Zindagi', based on Anjum Rehbar's ghazal. Check out the lines, "Kuch din se zindagi mujhe pehchanti nahin, yoon dekhti hai jaise mujhe jaanti nahin". Overall it's a lovely collection of songs that touch your heart, making you want to absorb their meaning.

Shunya/ Ojhal

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

If you're into sad songs, Shunya's 'Ojhal' may just be right. The video is about a boy who is unable to handle his partner's loss. Whether he does the right thing or not, it's up to the viewers to decide.

Shunya has an expressive voice, aa he sings, "Tu kabhi meri aankhon se ojhal hai, meri aankhen mujhe hi sataane lagi; jab dikhi bheed mein tu kahin yoon mujhe, jaan meri jaan mein phir se aane lagi".

The backing vocals and Mayank Saini's guitars go well with the song's mood. Ved Dwivedi's video features Shunya and Bhavya Sharma, who show good chemistry.

Amarabha Banerjee feat. Sebastian Andrade/ Chhoti Si Baat

Label; Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer and composer Amarabha Banerjee had recorded the song 'Chhoti Si Baat' as a duet with Gayatri Asokan three years ago, with Purbayan Chatterjee on electric sitar. He now does a slower version with Sebastian 'Saby' Andrade on guitar and production.

It's a pleasant adaptation with Amarabha singing, "Chhoti si baat hai, ek teri aas hai, ek teri hi kami, seene mein aaj hai".  While Amarabha has a very warm voice texture, Saby's guitar parts in the centre and end are intense.

Both singer and guitarist get good footage in Sourav Dutta's video. The song has a richness that makes it grow on repeated listens.

Manthan/ Cancel

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

After releasing cover versions on his YouTube channel under the name Zenith Sun, Delhi-based singer Manthan Somvanshi began releasing originals last year under his own name, beginning with 'Rencontre'.

His new release 'Cancel' is all about the cancel culture that's prevalent these days, moving from a "Don't cancel me, don't cancel us" emotion to a "Please cancel me, please cancel us".

The song had been written by Manthan and produced by Sharad Joshi. It's got a nice dream-pop flavour peppered by a horn interlude.



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