Naren's indie round-up/ Dec 2025, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Antariksh/ Udaan

Language & genre: Hindi, pop-rock

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Varun Rajput, Delhi band Antariksh has built a following in the Hindi pop-rock space with its hummabe tunes and relatable lyrics. On its new song 'Udaan', it uses a theme that's motivational and inspiring.

After a near guitar intro, Varun sings, "Main chala bandhan saare todke, dil mein liye hausla, daudne rahe laga hai lahoo phir se ragon mein, aisa lage zinda hoon mein". He's joined by Shrikant Biswakarma on guitar, Danik Ghosh on bass and Arko Ganguly on drums, with Varun chipping in with some keys too.

The video, directed by Rohan Srivastava, captures the band live in the studio. The playing is filled with youthful energy, which goes with the song's nature.

Danish Sood/ Toxic

Language & genre: Hindi with a bit of English, indie

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Also from Delhi, singer-songwriter Danish Sood looks at awry relationships on his new song 'Toxic'. In his notes, he clarifies, "It isn't a break-up song - It's a mirror".

So instead of sounding sad, Danish keeps the song light and bubbly in tune, adding a rap part for variety and using rhythms smartly. The words just come to the point - "Toxic, relationship is toxic, toxic, I'm sorry tum ho toxic". The ending is too sudden in the audio, and in the video it makes way for lengthy credits.

Of course, Varun Chounal's video has a smooth narrative and a new-gen look. The song will connect with the younger lot.

Hadiqa Kiani/ Challa

Language & genre: Punjabi, folk

Label: Sufiscore

Rating: **** 1/2

Popular Pakistani singer Hadiqa Kiani has been  in the limelight for over 25 years, and her rendition of 'Boohe Baariyan' became a rage. Over the last couple of years, she has recorded a lot with the London label Sufiscore.

Her latest song 'Challa', which comes from the same company, is an interpretation of a Punjabi folk song. Listeners would be familiar with another rendition by Indian star Gurdas Maan. Hadiqa's version is charming in its own way, with her words flowing smoothly to guitars, harmonium and the Middle Eastern lute baglama.

The song is about a boatman who mourns the loss of his son at sea. And the video shows that narrative in stunning manner, through Abdullah Haris' direction and Talha Sharjeel's cinematography. Hadiqa's voice sounds stunning as the song builds up slowly and beautifully.

No Neighbours Around/ Country Man

Language & genre: English, pop-rock

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

No Neighbours Around is a Bengaluru-based trio comprising Vishvesh Siva on vocals and bass, Vignesh Siva on guitar and backing vocals, and Vikas Gotla on drums. While their range moves from ballads to the faster stuff, the latest song 'Country Man' is a mid-tempo guitar-driven number.

The words go, "Wait for the day you come to see me after all the things you said" and "Every single day that I breathe reminds me of you". The two singers coordinate well, though the sudden change in tempo seems a bit forced.

The animated video, done by Maya Santhanakrishnan, has been well-produced though it seems to be following its own path. 

Tom Schuman feat. Frank Gambale/ Dr V

Language & genre: Instrumental, jazz-fusion

Label: Namma Music

Rating: *** 1/2

I don't normally cover international acts in this series, but have made an exception this time because the 'Dr V' in the title is a reference to Bengaluru sound engineer Vikram Ghatpande, who passed away earlier this year.

American pianist-keyboardist Tom Schuman, known as part of jazz band Spyro Gyra, pays tribute to Dr V, having worked with him in recordings with composer-producer Sandeep Chowta's label Namma Music.

Joining the tribute is Australian jazz fusion guitarist Frank Gambale, a regular with legendary keyboardist Chick Corea. The tune builds up after a slow start, and there's plenty of improvisation by the two artistes.


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