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

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Rohit Kulkarni/ The Soldier 

Label: Self-released

Rating: ****

After making his mark with the tribute band Think Floyd, singer-guitarist Rohit Kulkarni has released some wonderful solo tracks, including those on the 2020 album The Boy Who Dreamed.

His latest single 'The Soldier' talks of war and struggle. The lines begin, "The dimming of the day has begun, the dimming of the soul has begun; the dimming of the light that once shone so bright is fading into the falling night."

The video, by Shrimukta Sahoo, Pallavi Batra and Rohit, alternate war action shots with images of the singer. Rohit has a clear and resonant voice, and the subtle guitars perfectly enhance the backdrop. This time, he doesn't use a lead guitar solo, but that's an interesting change. 

Srija/ Do I Know

Label: One Little Independent Records

Rating: ***

Two months ago, Delhi electronica artiste Sijya put out 'Tabla', the first single from her forthcoming EP Leather & Brass, due for release in September. While that represented the 'Leather' part, the new single 'Do I Know' portrays the 'Brass' side.

To Srija's advantage, this song has a cool video, conceptualised by Sukanya Baskar. In itself, the song is synth-driven with a steady rhythm and a guitar riff. 

'Do I Know' is a slightly offbeat track, and may take time for the ear to register. Those with a taste for electronica can try it out. Others can check it if they're looking for something different.

Parashar Joshi/ Raahi

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Pune-based Parashar Joshi seems to be maintaining an interesting balance between singing, cricket umpiring and biking. An Indian Idol Season 4 finalist, he has released his new track 'Raahi'.

It's an uptempo, rhythm-heavy track about a traveller. The lyrics, co-written by Parashar and Prasad, begin, "Raahi, tu ab toh bataa, dhundhe kya, raahi, hai le jaayen kahaan raasta".

Such themes have been explored often before, and in that sense, there's nothing new. Yet, Parashar's song has a vibrant arrangement, and that makes it a good song to play on a drive.

Rahul Shah & Antara Ansuna

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Singer-songwriters Rahul Shah and Antara Ansuna get together on 'Dono Hi Dono', a song about a failed relationship and how two people who don't understand each other want to move on.

As such, the video by Utkarsh Masand of Ocean Motion Pictures shows them sitting with their backs to each other, a virtual curtain separating them. The same pose is used through the film.

The words have been written by both singers, who harmon̈ise, "Kho kar tum ko hi kyon khud ko paaya, saath raha phir bhi kyon tera saaya". Subhashis's production uses guitars subtly with a slow build-up towards the end. It's a short three-minute song, but the singers pack in quite a lot within that.

Ajay Prasanna feat. Shyam Raj/ Seashore 

Label: AP Raga Music

Rating: *** 1/2

Bansuri exponent Ajay Prasanna collaborates with soprano saxophonist Shyam Raj on 'Seashore', an instrumental number that runs into seven and a half minutes.

The track progresses smoothly, beginning with a reggae groove, and uses Hindustani and jazz improvisation passages. At one point, there's a phrase from the thumri 'Ka Karoon Sajni'.

Both are experienced musicians and their understanding is perfect. To go with the title, the tune can be played in an open space when the weather is fine.




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