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


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Akhil Sahni/ Puzzle (EP)
Label: Self-released 
Rating: *** 1/2

He's only 22, but Akhil Sahni displays a certain maturity in his songwriting. Hailing from Delhi, he's spent four formative years in London, and uses the piano as the main instrument to drive his songs.

Akhil's debut EP Puzzle contains five songs, marked by strong lyricism and a simple approach to vocal delivery. The title track has been released as a video, where director Tushar Rochak uses a jazz bar ambience and a formally-dressed Akhil graces the piano.

The opening lines are, "Some things don't end happy, they don't end at all, no closure is worse, 'cause you keep wanting more". Besides his piano, he is accompanied by violins (Fiona Griffin), bass (Aditya Shukla) and classical guitars (Dhananjay Chhetri).

Akhil seems to be influenced by John Mayer, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, and that shows in his approach. On 'Ignorance', he sings, "What you don't know can't really hurt you", moving on to lines that say that ignorance is bliss.

'Make you love me begins with the words, "Help me help you break this wall between us". 'So far Gone' and 'Waiting For You' use appropriate metaphors and interesting wordplay to talk about a relationship. Accompanied by lush pianos and a cinematic backdrop, these songs may seem to be in a similar space on initial listen, but the magic lies in their words. Give It a few repeats, and Puzzle seems easier.


Abhinav Saxena & Yana Fortep/ Naked and Bare
Label: Self released 
Rating; *** 1/2

It began with a poem written by Abhinav Saxena and was transformed into a song after he met singer Yana Fortep. On 'Naked and Bare', she begins by singing, "I am interested in the story, and the nature of your soul; from the realms of the dreams, to the realms of the unknown".

The song has a tight jazz groove, with smart keyboards (Deivat Tapodhan), bass-line and rhythms (Ishan Jadwani on drums), and a brief Santanaesque guitar solo by Abhinav. It's been well-produced and sung naturally, ending with the lines "That's where I come from, naked and bare, I don't care, your skin is my bone".

Abhinav has released songs as a solo artiste. This collaboration works, as the two musicians coordinate well.


Jay Rana/ Initiate 
Label: Self-released 
Rating: ***

Guitar-based instrumental pieces have their own charm. Here's one from Vadodara-bred, Mumbai-based musician Jay Rana.

'Initiate' reflects a feeling of achievement - taking the first step, and realising how the journey transforms you. Jay has been influenced by video game music and cinematic scores, and that shows here even as he adds his own blend of rock and fusion.

The video shows Jay playing with his quartet, with some flashback scenes interspersed. The track has a good amount of energy and flows smoothly.


Shilpa Rao/ Adhoora
Label: Oriyon Music
Rating: ***

With film hits like 'Ghungroo', 'Subhanallah' and 'Besharam Rang', Shilpa Rao is among the sought after voices in Bollywood. She now sings an independent song 'Adhoora' for Arijit Singh's label Oriyon Music.

The song talks about how life can be a collection of bittersweet moments, both good and bad. It even has a video showing a blind girl's romantic fate.

Music is by Prasad S. and lyrics are by Bimal Oberoi. While the song is arranged and written well, a clear hook is missing. Maybe a little more variation was needed in its delivery.











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