Naren's indie round-up/ Nov 2025 Ep 1


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

The Yellow Diary/ Yun Hi Kahin

Label: Self-released 

Rating; ****

Rajan Batra, vocalist of The Yellow Diary, has a distinct voice and singing style. Accompanied by a tight band, he charms again on the group's latest single 'Yun Hi Kahin'.

Kalpit Vora's video is about two childhood friends, played by Roohi Devgan and Suhani Mardia, who hope the warmth of the early days will return. Batra sings, "Yun hi kahin meri raahon mein tu phirse aana, yun hi tera sahi laage nahin door jaana".

Joining the action are Himanshu Parikh on keys, Harshvardhan Gadhvi on guitars, Stuart D'Costa on bass and Sahil Shah on drums. Another smooth leaf in the Yellow Diary page.

Umair & Maaidah/ Jaana

Label: InHouse

Rating: *** 1/2

On first impression, the Pakistani brother-sister duo of Umair Saleem and Maaidah reminds one of Zoheb and Nazia Hassan. Even the basic sound and dance-friendly video are throwbacks to the 1980s disco-pop era.

But the similarity ends there. On its own, their new song 'jaana' is uptempo and catchy, with a beat that's aimed at the dance floor. The lyrics, co-written by A. Maryann, are typical teenage love - "Tere bina mera na guzaara, tere hi khayalon ka sahara".

The song is a complete contrast to their previous 'Terminal Blues'. Let's hope they continue the form. No need for comparisons with the 1980s icons.

Varsha Singh Dhsnoa/ Amma Mere

Label: Sufiscore 

Rating: ****

In 2003, director Milan Luthria had used Amir Khusro's poem 'Amma Mere' in the film Chori Chori, with singers Afroz Bano and Fareeda Khan. The song has also been featured in Khusro-themed concerts. Now we have a fresh recording by Varsha Singh Dhanoa.

"Amma mere baba ko bhejo ri, ke saawan aaya", sings Varsha in this elaborate rendition, shot live by Parasher Baruah in the studio. Later, the words 'bhai' and 'mamu' replace 'baba'.

Varsha has an intensity in her voice that suits the song. Guru Dhanoa produces it stylishly, using Dilshad Khan on sarangi, Sanjoy Das on guitar, Rahul Deo on bass, Prashant Sonagra on tabla and Swaranjay Dhumal on rhythm programming. Those who love traditional music must check it out.

BBB/ Babyboo 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

One thing about BBB is that he raps too fast and confidently. Often you don't get the hang of his words on his new song 'Babyboo', but he makes up with a smooth flow and smart production by Fred Ire, with percussion and horns backing his vocals.

Born in Noida, and educated in Dehradun and London, the 23-year-old switches between Hindi and English rapidly. He sings, "Nahin samajh mein aa rahi hai mujhe white chicks, Babyboo I'm in love with your melanin".

The song is aided by a trendy video, featuring Babyboo and Anshika Bisht. Produced by Witness Films and directed by DJ, it's well-choreographed and millennial-friendly.

Midhaven/ The Veiler

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

After receiving a good response from headbangers for their album Of The Lotus & The Thunderbolt, Mumbai sludge metal band Midhaven release the single 'The Veiler'.

Vocalist-lead guitarist Aditya Mohanan, guitarist-vocalist Karan Kaul, drummer Aviraj Kumar and bassist Akash Vyas join forces on this number that, over five minutes and 40 seconds, shows some smooth transitions.

The song has lines like "Look how in your name, orange weighs more than red: Look how in your name, they kill me but the head grows back". And that lead guitar in the middle is a beauty. Rock on.




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