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

 

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Ta Dhom Project/ There Ain't No Borders

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

The brainchild of Mumbai-based mridangam exponent Viveick Rajagopalan, Ta Dhom Project blends Carnatic and assorted rhythms with rap phrases sung in different languages. As such, the sound is high on energy and coordination

The project's new track 'There Ain't No Borders' has a self-explanatory title, as the five elements and the rainbow are used as metaphors to convey unity and togetherness. The rap portions are sung in consecutive spells by MC Khoj in Hindi, Arts Lord in Tamil and MC Dehaati in Bhojpuri, with dhol by Swarangi Savdekar and Yamini Khamkar, tasha by Pranav Dixit and jhanjh by Gaurang Dixit. The brass section adds to the sonic mix.

All this is captured in rapidly-moving frames in the video by Sherrin Varghese. The passion and intensity of the musicians comes through clearly.

Rahul Shah / Duur Jaane Par

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

All it takes is a simple melody and some relatable lines to create an impact. In his 20th independent single 'Duur Jaane Par', Rahul Shah proves that basic theory correct.

He has an expressive voice, which he uses appropriately when singing, "Tumhare duur jaane par, tumhara sab kareeb aaya: Tumhare ghar se bhaag kar, mausam sard kyon aaya". The production by Aabhinav Meher is smooth, and the instruments are used subtly.

The song talks about how memories remain even after one has moved on in life. As such the video shows Rahul going through photo albums and penning notes while a vinyl record plays. It's a simple video, with a strong dose of nostalgia.

Kairvina/ Bait

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

On her new song 'Bait', singer-songwriter Kairvina sings, "I really liked you, now I feel so stupid, I think of our history, there's no history to begin with".

Obviously the song is about a broken relationship, with its references of heartbreak and resentment. Kairvina adds a dash of wit using lines like, "The first time I saw you, you were late, the next time I saw you with a bait".

The song has been produced by Joshua Singh. The video by Siddharth Ahuja shows solo shots of Kairvina in different settings. The number is something youngsters can relate to.

Bluestackface/ Yet To Prove (album)

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Based in Mumbai, the group Bluestackface has been around for six years, blending blues-rock with grunge and a dash of hard rock. The line-up of vocalist-guitarist Rohan Soulkar, bassist Jatin Jitendrakumar and drummer Evan S shows immense tightness on the new album Yet To Prove.

A follow-up to the 2021 EP Both Sides, this seven-track is filled with 29 minutes of music. Rohan's guitar riffs are tastefully done, and his vocals reflect his own identity, staying away the tendency of many Indian artistes to copy their western idols.

The album begins with 'Clearly It's Dead', which talks of how the end of a friendship can lead to new things. The intro has a southern rock influence and the brief solo tempo changes give it charm, with a lengthy vocal sustain to conclude.

'The Design' begins in slow acoustic fashion but makes way for power-packed bluesy riffs. "Your blind faith is still a constant, still you expect me to change", sings Rohan, before a barrage of drums takes over.

The Muddy Waters influence on 'Without My Heart', the stunning bassline of the title track and the headbanging vibe of 'Totally Terrified' are among the other highlights. This album should please the blues fans while also getting a nod from the hard-rocking tribe.




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