Naren's indie round-up/ May 2025 Ep 2


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Attyavashyak/ Raanjha and Baadal

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Attyavashyak is a group comprising Vidit Mithilesh Patankar on pianica, harmonium and vocals, Shruti Bhave-Chitale on violin and vocals, and Aatur Soni on drums. They have recently released two tracks exploring spiritual themes, as a build-up to their EP 11:11.

'Raanjha', sung by Vidit, features the timeless poetry of Sufi mystic Baba Bulleh Shah. The lines begin "Raanjha Raanjha Raanjha kar di mein pe Raanjha hoi" and talk of dissolving boundaries between self and art, highlighting spiritual oneness through love. A strong hook and solos by the three musicians enhance the charm.

'Baadal', penned by the legendary Mirabai, has been sung by Shruti. The opening lines are, "Baadal dekh dari ho Syaam mein baadal dekh dari, Kaali peeli ghata umdi barsyo ek ghadi". Some wonderful violin sections lend a distinct flavour. Looking forward to the rest of the EP.

Nilotpal Sinha & Maanumi/ Tu Jo Mila Hai

Label: Merchant Records 

Rating: ***

Against a soothing backdrop, the song begins, "Aasman mein kuchh toh naya hai, tere rang mein yeh khil gaya hai, intezaar mein baithi hui main, udne lagi tu jo mila hai,".

Sung by Maanumi, and written by Nilotpal Sinha, 'Tu Jo Mila Hai' is a simple love song set against a pop-meets-smooth jazz backdrop. The song expresses the joy of being in the company of a loved one, and is likely to appeal to younger audiences.

Sahil Jaiswal's video alternates beachside shots with footage of the musicians performing live. There's a certain freshness that makes it appealing.

Renee Chaurasia feat. Nomsita & Vaishnav/ Kaaga

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Renee Chaurasia, granddaughter of great flautist Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, makes her recording debut with 'Kaaga'. She's composed the tune along with Nomsita MS Haritashya, blending folk with contemporary arrangements.

The lyrics, by Vaishnav Vyas, begin, "Ped ke daal pe ek kauva baitha hai, woh tujhe taake, woh andar jhaanke, yeh manzar kaisa hai". Later, Renee sings, "Kaaga re, kaaga re, kaaga re, tu aaye, tu laaye, hawa re".

Ritik Mehta's electric guitar solo is supple, and the rhythm section by bassist Jeet Pathak and percussionist Kanishk Ajmera is tight. The backing vocals perk up the climax. Renee's singing is consistent, making it an ideal debut.

Varun Nimbodkar/ Amrita

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

A chartered accountant, Varun Nimbodkar quit his full-time practice to concentrate on music. His latest release 'Amrita' is the first single from his upcoming EP BaBa Black Sheep.

The five-and-a-half minute song has an interesting structure in that it begins in Indian style with the lines. "Na jaao balma ke ratiya hai baaki", sung by Sai Shreya. This is followed by a sitar passage played by Varun himself.

Shreya returns with her vocals, but the ending comes as a surprise with a blues-rock solo by Dhruv Trikannad. The transition between segments is smooth.

Tabaaqui feat. DeepC & Kimkid/ Aawara Paagal Deewana

Label: Hasina Records 

Rating: ***

Rapper and lyricist Tabaaqui teams up with producer DeepC and guitarist Kimkid on 'Aawara Paagal Deewana', a track that blends hip-hop with funk and Indie fusion.

The song begins with the lines "Aawara paagal deewana, dhoondoon main har din apna thikana, shaatir yeh zaalim zamaana, aata na mujhko baatein banaana, jaanoon na rishte nibhaana o meri jaana tu ne na Jaana, phir bhi main tera deewana". The rest of the track blends satire with socially-conscious statements.

While the song makes a mark, one wonders whether the video requires so much tobacco and alcohol. The smoke and whiff only stopped short of coming out of the screen.






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