This month saw a mixture of songs that encompasses a wide range - from rebellion and dancing in the abyss to peace and inspiration. The selection has tracks in three different languages - English, Bengali and Hindi, while the other two are instrumentals.
'Rajar Dorjaye Toka' - Borno Anonyo
Dissent forms the backbone of this rousing number by Kolkata-based band Borno Anonyo. With aggressive rhythms, and fear-rousing rebellious calls, the band asks people to knock on the leader's door, loudly! There is a heavy influence of blues in the music and fillers played by the violin and guitar. The lyrics talk about the "bad times that people across the country" are facing - where apathetic, corrupt leaders keep filling their endless pits of greed at the expense of the common man. Songs like this is needed to combat the growing fangs of fascism in the country.
'One More Night' - Jaimin
The latest release by this budding singer-songwriter from Kolkata starts with a brilliant injection of hope - the protagonist is in control of his mind, life and fate. The music is simple yet nuanced with sweet fillers from a synthesiser and a warm-toned electric guitar. And the theme is sweeter, laced with inspiration. The song dwells on the importance of consistent hard work that takes one to their desirable destinations. It is a song about not giving up and keeping up the good fight.
'Lagan' - Midival Punditz
Delhi-based electronic act Midival Punditz is out with a sizzling fire in the guise of 'Lagan'. Dense, accelerated beats creates a fast tempo, on which dark moods are created which give a sense of Indian melodies, but heavily disguised. But the napalm to their music is Indian classical vocalist Sukanya Chattopadhyay. Her pitch-perfect voice, and far-flung vocal throws, is enough to give goosebumps. But with the intense music by the duo, it is a complete aural potboiler.
'Shantiniketan' - Rono
Shantiniketan is an abode of peace that was discovered by the great bard Rabindranath Tagore. The place inspired a lot of his poems and songs. Perhaps that's why artists keep flocking there, or writing songs about it. Mumbai-based musician Rono also follows the flock - and came up with a melodious, soothing instrumental that aptly captures the slow pace and silence that accompanies life in the small Bengal town. The base of his sound is a finger-style acoustic guitar, which takes a simple motif and vocalises it, while injecting dreamy soundscapes with an electric guitar which plays subtly in the background. The rest of the peace-inducing magic is contributed by a piano.
'Abstraction in the Abyss' - Moli
The Gurugram-based multi-instrumentalist is one of the most talented, young musicians in the country. A rich, intense jazz composition, it was recorded live within 12 hours. All instruments - guitar, bass, drums, piano, synthesiser and saxophone - were played by him. Despite playing one instrument at a time, he managed to capture the spontaneity of improvisation and the freedom it allows, while retaining the mysticism of the genre. Less a song, it is more like a suite, with different parts telling different tales - all building up into one big, instrumental journey.
