Saturday, January 30, 2016

Music Review (Malayalam): Maheshinte Prathikaram

Music Review (Malayalam): Maheshinte Prathikaram
Music Composer: Bijibal

Idukki, lovely melody and seems to be the tribute for the eponymous place while Bijibal did a fabulous job in crooning along with wonderful ear pleasing backing vocals. Bijibal aces as a composer too with minimal soothing orchestration and pleasant string sections. Theliveyil starts with kid chorus and what follows is another wonderful waltz'y melody handled by Sudeep Kumar and Sangeetha Srikanth effectually. Bijibal impresses with alluring violin and string sections throughout the song. Vijay Yesudas and Aparna Balamurali got a winner in the album with Mounangal while the tune is again on rhythmic waltzy base but Bijibal churned out a surprise with the brilliant set of instruments with sitar, violins and clarinet. Cherupinjiri also a melody one but compared to other songs in the album this one is least impressive whereas Nikhil Mathew did a fine job behind the mic.

Verdict: Bijibal's success streak continues with 2016, an enjoyable short soundtrack from the proficient composer.

My rating:7.5/10
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Pick of the Album: Mounangal, Idukki, Theliveyil

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Uriyadi

Music Review (Tamil): Uriyadi
Music Composer: Masala Coffee

Masala Coffee's spectacular musical video for Kappa Tv Kaantha is recreated here except with Tamil lyrics instead of original Malayalam. The result is once again immensely enjoyable ride where Sooraj Santosh and Varun Sunil aces in this lovely fusion with their vocals. The highlight of this song is undeniably Arshad Khan's fabulous esraj throughout the song and Kazoo usage in the prelude. The Karaoke version also equally delightful because of the brilliant mix of instruments used in the song. Masala Coffee gives Bharathiyar's Agni Kunjondru Kanden, a grungy makeover with the heady hard rock mix. Once again band showcases promise by creating the  pleasing classical-rock fusion with the brilliant usage of electric guitar solos. Sooraj Santosh nails the vocals portions with nicely done classical portions although overall song evocates Aigiri Nandini. Maane Maane, relatively weaker track in the album mainly because of the monotonous tune and also flat singing by Anthony Daasan. Masala coffee spruce up the proceedings with Kazoo usage in the first interlude, however, song ends up being an average one in this short soundtrack.  

Verdict: Masala Coffee's mainstream debut is short and highly listenable for the Kaantha and Agni Kunjondru. Masala Coffee band stays true to their sound in their debut mainstream album also. Hope their next album will have more original songs rather than the band's covers.

My rating: 7.75/10

Pick of the Album: Kaantha, Agni Kunjondru

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.


Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Music Review(Tamil): Kanithan

Music Review(Tamil): Kanithan
Music Composer: Sivamani


Yappa Chappa's tune is pretty much outmoded and also conventional mild Kuthu number while Anirudh and Kalpana's fine vocals bolstered the languishing tune to the particular extent. The only silver lining in this typical soundtrack is the soothing Rahman'ish second interlude with ghatam and flute touch in the arrangements.Sivamani gets his elements right in Maiyal Maiyal, although the tune is not an instant catchy one, Haricharan and Swetha's mellifluous vocals along with Sivamani's orchestration makes this one enjoyable till it lasts. Particularly loved the Guitar strums played in a classical manner, endearing percussions, mesmerising flute and the brilliant second interlude with veena.

I Viralgalal is another staid number in the soundtrack and MC AK's Tamil rap portions are run of the mill without any imagination whereas brief title hook is the only listenable part in an otherwise largely tedious song in the soundtrack. Sivamani's percussions get mired and become tenuous because of the humdrum tune.Modern Ponnathan gets better strictly in comparison with I viralgalal mainly because of Runa Sivamani, Blaaze and Karthik vocals. Sivamni spruce up the ordinary tune with the wide and impressive range of percussions from western to classical amidst the electronically synthesized sounds. Karky marks his presence with the colloquial amusing boys vs girls banter lyrics.Che Guevera's soul lies in the ever reliable S P Bala Subramaniam's enthusiastic rendition while Sivamani's frenzied percussion throughout the song complements well with the singer's verve. Pulamai Pithan's lyrics about media revolution is in tandem with the tone of the song. Overall Sivamani's ends the soundtrack with the fitting track which will blend well with the visuals.

Verdict: Sivamani's sophomore soundtrack after Arima Nambi is an average one which lacks instant catchy numbers. The soundtrack is salvaged by lead singers along with composer's forte.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Che Guevera, Maiyal Maiyal

You can listen to the songs in 

P.S. Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Music Review(Tamil): Bangalore Naatkal

Music Review(Tamil): Bangalore Naatkal
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar


Naan Maati Kondaen, ear-pleasing melody catapulted by Karthik's breezy vocals and Gopi Sundar's likable tune. Gopi Sundar deftly adapted the tune of his previous hit songs in Telugu and packaged the song to give the different feel to the song. Gopi's arrangements feature lovely violins and string sound which easily can be associated with the composer.Namma Ooru Bangalore though the tune is similar to the  Malayalam version, arrangements are tweaked with the inclusion of Sax in the interludes and overall mixing by Gopi Sundar sounds sprightly which makes this version better compared to the original. Ranjith's vocals also punchy enough required for the genre. Overall predictable rock number from Gopi as the ode to Bangalore.

Aaga Motham Ennai's tune is similar to Thumbi Penne in the original one, however, arrangements are totally different from Malayalam. Here once again Gopi employed fabulous violin and Sumesh Parameshwar's mandolin cum violin combo in the first and second interlude respectively. Gopi Sundar kept the highly successful song in Bangalore days Mangalyam intact in the Tamil version with the same set of singers Vijay Yesudas, Sachin Warrier and Divya S Menon crooning this enjoyable marriage song.Pazhani Barathi's lyrics also seamlessly fit into this highly catchy song in the album. Though En Vizhyin Kanavu is inspired directly from Carla Bruni's French song quelqu'un m'a dit, the output is thoroughly endearing as the original one. Gopi's lovely minimalistic orchestration with guitar strums topped by velvety vocals of Anna Katharina Valayil Chandy of Ustad hotel fame makes this one endearing listen from start till end.The English song which featured in the movie as BGM pictured on Fahad and Nithya (in Tamil Rana- Samantha) is released as the part of the soundtrack in Tamil as I want to Fly. Once again Anna Katharina did a fabulous job with her sensual vocals which is complemented by Gopi's haunting arrangements with piano notes and string sections.

Verdict: Overall refreshing feel-good album from Gopi Sundar where Gopi kept the tunes of the songs intact while tweaking the orchestration a little in some songs. However, Tamil version lacks a beautiful Hindustani melody Ethu Kari Raavilum from the original one.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the album: Thodakkam Mangalyam, En Vizhiyin Kanavu, Naan Maati Kondaen

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here.


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Music Review (Telugu): Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha

Music Review (Telugu): Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha
Music Composer: Vishal Chandrasekhar

Nuvvante Na Navvu is the soundtrack's best and song is enjoyable mainly for its lilting waltz base tune sung in an effectual manner by Haricharan and Sindhuri Vishal. The song turns into highly rousing note towards the end with punchy percussions and string sections. Vishal employed violins brilliantly in this enjoyable song.There is a brief nicely done veena touch in the mid-way. The song's shorter pathos version Aa Seetha Devaina is also equally done in a remarkable manner with violins, string sections evocating required mood for the pathos. The title song has quirky folk touch in the prelude followed by delightful tune prodded up by amusing lyrics and Ranjith's singing. Rara Ravera is another tune by Vishal with the tinge of folk elements which the singers Hemachandra and Antony Daasan carried effectively with their vocals. Vishal employed quite an interesting sound throughout the song. In Ulikipadaku Ulikipadaku, Vishal's conventional rock rhythmic sound came out as an enjoyable song mainly because of vocals of Ranjith and Sindhuri Vishal

Verdict: Vishal Chandrasekhar turns out to be a promising composer by this fun filled soundtrack after successful Jil Jung Juk in Tamil.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Nuvvante Na Nuvvu, Rara Ravera, title song.

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Sethupathi

Music Review (Tamil): Sethupathi
Music Composer: Nivas K Prasanna

    Nivas K Prasanna's sophomore album opens up with quite a passionate note Mazhai Thooralam where Na Muthukamar's lyrics pays tribute to the Police officers. The composer croons the song in an effectual manner and arrangements too features gorgeous string sections and brass band like percussion interspersed in a fabulous manner without undermining the melody of the song. Konji Pesida Venaam starts with an intriguing prelude mix of techno sound and Tabla while Sriram Parthasaarathy and ever reliable K S Chitra spruces up the simple melody with their competent rendition. However the song's charanam portions are not alluring as much as pallavi while Nivas hooks the listeners with enjoyable guitar strums and techno rhythm sounds.

    Nivas K Prasanna continues to showcase promise in delivering wonderful tracks in rock genre and in Hey Mama too features remarkable usage of live drums and guitars. The tune meanders towards conventional kuthu towards the second half of the song where Anirudh's vocals suit better than the initial portion of the tune.Hawa Hawa breezy melody works wonderfully mainly because of the lead singer Karthik and Saindhavi's impeccable rendition. The arrangements feature fantastic classical violin solo in the interludes and also towards the end with cool guitar strums which complements the mood of the song very well.Thaen Kootil's highlight is haunting arrangeemnts by Nivas with dark piano notes and string sections. V M Mahalingam's contrasting rustic vocals suits the Na Muthukumar's lyrics very well and he sounds perfect especially in high pitched portions.However the song is strictly situational which may go well with the visuals but not as a standalone track.





Verdict: Nivas K Prasanna's sophomore album is not as exquisite as his debut Thegidi, but still Sethupathi is fine follow-up after Thegidi in terms of arrangements and orchestration  for this young composer.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album:  Hey Mama, Mazhai Thooralam, Konji Pesida Venaam

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.






Monday, January 18, 2016

Music Review (Hindi): Sanam Teri Kasam

Music Review (Hindi): Sanam Teri Kasam
Music Composer: Himesh Reshammiya


        Sanam Teri Kasam has some enticing elements in the orchestration like violin solo and bass but Anki Tiwari's vocals bog down a lot whereas Palak Muchhal's sweet vocal brings some respite in this conventionally tuned song. Mohammed Irfan sounds better in the song's reprise version. Keechi Meri Photo is repetitive party themed song rides mainly on the techno beats and Neeti Mohan props up the song along with Darshan Raval and Akasa Singh. However as a standalone song, this one is particularly jarring and song may go well along with visuals. The soundtrack gets better with Bewajah, engaging tune with Himesh behind the vocals and sprightly arrangements with guitar strums and drums makes this one enjoyable till it lasts. Tera Chehra rides mainly on the soulful rendition by Arijit Singh and Himesh complements with wonderful Tabla beats throughout the song. Himesh nails in Haal e Dil, enticing pathos especially loved the haunting arrangements with eerie sounds throughout the track. Both Sreerama Chandra and Neeti Mohan does the  fabulous job behind the mic in their respective versions. Himesh tweaked the prelude in both versions whereas remaining arrangements mostly remain the same with piano notes, dark techno sounds and lovely mandolin. Ek number has the decent tune but Himesh Reshammiya's vocals and lyrics being the disappointing factor in the song. Neeti Mohan sounds fabulous as always. Main Teri Yaadon mein is another enaging techno number from Himesh which rides mainly on the Arijit Singh rendition.

Verdict: Himesh Reshammiya's Sanam Teri Kasam sounds better after the series of mediocre soundtracks from the composer.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Haal E Dil (both versions), Tera Chehra, Main Teri Yaadon 

You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn.

Music Review(Hindi): Fitoor

Music Review(Hindi): Fitoor
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi

       Yeh Fitoor Mera's waltz based tune is complemented well by the fabulous string section and the tune slowly shifts towards the Amit Trivedi's comfortable zone of soft rock elements. Arijit Singh nails the lovely tune with his brilliant rendition and wonderfully done guitar work being the highlight of this typical Amit Trivedi number. Pashmina is another slow burner where Amit Trivedi's vocal accompanied with orchestral brilliance especially lovely violin solos and flute interspersed throughout the song makes this one lovely listen. Once again Amit brilliantly used drums and guitar work in a brilliant manner. 

        After Pashmina, Haminastu too features Kashmir Tribute in the form of fabulous arrangements with saz, Rabab and other haunting string sections amidst frenzy drum beats in the mid way. Zeb Bangash of Sooha Sooha from Highway fame delivers the eerie tune with her rustic awesome vocals. More awesomeness follows in Honedo Batiya where Amit creates a brilliant fusion of soft rock with middle Eastern string sections. Amit Trivedi roped another prolific singer Nandini Srikar along with Zeb Bangash and both ladies ace the rendition while Nandini's vocals make us yearn for her vocals to be used frequently by the composers. Chennai String orchestra showcased their prowess in Tere liye with their lovely string portions whereas Amit peppered it with the wonderful layer of live drums and guitar. Sunidhi Chauhan and Jubin Nautiyal props up the beautifully orchestrated tune with their effectual vocals. Sunidhi Chauhan returns again for final track in the album Rangaa Re and Amit Trivedi's arrangements treads on the simialr soundscape as Tere liye with occasional variance in the form of trance portions in the mid-way. The tune mainly rides on the Sunidhi's energetic rendition while the song's another version where Caralisa Monteiro's vocals bring quite an extensive variation when compared to the original version and ends up equally if not better than sunidhi's version.

Verdict: Amit Trivedi opens up his 2016 account with this splendid soundtrack and Amit delivers another fine winner for Abhishek Kappor after Kai Po Che.

My rating: 9/10

Pick of the Album: Just listen to the whole soundtrack you won't regret this. Honedo Batiya and Haminastu is a keeper in this awesome soundtrack.

You can listen to the soundtrack in Youtube.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Music Review (Telugu): Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu

Music Review (Telugu): Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar


Seethalakshmi rides mainly on the Gopi Sundar's frequent associate Yazin Nizar's vocals and the singer is turning prolific in Telugu nowadays with his latest hit songs in Telugu. Although the tune has the whiff of Gopi Sundar's trademark tune, neat uncluttered arrangements with mainly synth elements and lovable guitar strums make this song enjoyable listen. Paravasame is the piece de resistance of the soundtrack, lovely melody spruced up by the Sachin Warrier and Divya S Menon vocals. Gopi Sundar kept the orchestration minimal with occasional live drums and pleasant Guitar strums especially towards the end while lead singers prod up the mesmerizing tune especially Divya S Menon's sweet vocals.Tarajuvvaki is the high octane song with colloquial lyrics sung with enough verve by Suchith Suresan. Though the tune looks conventional, Gopi Sundar's packaging with percussions, brilliant mandolin laden strings with tabla in the second interlude and overall energy makes this song easy to ears for the listeners.

Nuvvena is the short melancholy track rendered in a doleful manner by another talented singer Haricharan while Gopi Sundar kept the orchestration minimal to set the mood with flute and resonant guitar strums throughout the song.Divya S Menon comes back for the second song in the soundtrack Okko Nakshatram, another enjoyable melody backed once again by effectual vocals of Karthik and Divya. Gopi Sundar's enticing orchestration especially graceful violin solos in the interludes, rhythm portions and string sections make this song another brilliant listen in the album.Gopi Sundar ends the delightful album with short high energy track Manishi and Ranjith aces in delivering the optimistic song with his usual verve. Gopi's arrangements with with live drums and hard rock guitar strums fits the bill perfectly whereas brief classical humming gives the nifty touch to this short track.

Verdict: Gopi Sundar is on a roll in Telugu and Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu being the hat trick winner for this proficient Malayalam composer.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Paravasame, Okko Nakshatram, Nuvvena

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.




Saturday, January 9, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Mirudhan

Music Review (Tamil): Mirudhan
Music Composer: Imman

Imman is one of the composers who utilize Vishal Dadlani's vocals effectually with the right mix of his signature angsty voice as well as his melodious one. Though Munnal Kadhali didn't match with the combo's previous super hit song in Romeo Juliet, Thoovanam, the song is adequately enjoyable mainly because of the Vishal's vocals. The main highlight of the orchestration is the brilliant usage of a bagpiper, flutes throughout the song. Sharanya Gopinath supports with her brief mix of English and gibberish words.Veri Veri rides mainly on the sprightly rendition of Suraj Jagan and the genre is the cakewalk for the singer while Maria Kavitha Thomas impresses with her haunting hummings interspersed throughout the song. However the electric guitar is predominantly conventional and the song may fit the bill perfectly with the visuals.

Mirudha Mirudha's sole strength is the symphonic orchestration conducted by Chennai Strings Orchestra, lovely clarinet prelude and ever reliable sweet rendition by Shreya Goshal while Vijay Yesudas bolstered the song with his vocals in soaring portions. Karky marks his presence with his imaginative lyrics once again. Overall, pleasant composition where vocals, lyrics and orchestration blends together well.Munnal Kadhali's reprise version is also equally enjoyable listen where another prolific singer Haricharan does the fabulous job behind the vocals. The orchestration is predominantly filled with Nathan's brilliant sax and keys throughout the song. Haricharan's vocals totally brought another dimension to the lovely song.Horrifying Zombies theme music is pulsating enough and the programming is effectual which gives the mix of haunting, dark tone required for the theme of this genre. Bitten by Insanity theme is an eclectic mix of sounds which starts with Karthik Iyer's solo violin followed by wonderful symphonic orchestration with string instruments with the occasional mix of typical chorus portions.

Verdict: Imman's soundtrack for Mirudhan is in tandem with the genre of the movie and Imman's collaboration with Chennai strings Orchestra pays off well especially in theme music and title song.

Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Mirudha Mirudha, Munnal Kadhali , Theme tracks

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Pichaikaran

Music Review (Tamil): Pichaikaran
Music Composer: Vijay Antony


Glamour song though starts with a typical Vijay Antony's incomprehensible chorus portions, amusing lyrics crooned with rustic vocals of Velmurugan works very well. Apart from the routine kuthu percussion elements, the composer uses effectually clarinet sounds throughout the song. Overall, the song is listenable although the tune is simple and predictable.The emotional number Nooru Samigal is mostly situational and strictly functional while composer itself behind the mic to croon the song. Though the composer did a neat job with his vocals, the experienced singer would have spruced up the song much better. The arrangements are quite adequate with strings progression, rhythmic percussion and fabulous flute work in the interludes.

Vijay Antony nails the lovely melody Nenjorathil with the slew of Hindustani sounds thrown at the orchestration. Particularly loved the tabla throughout the song, the lovely Sarangi in the second interlude with occasional muddled harmonica sounds. Supriya Joshi did quite a splendid job with her sweet vocals.Vijay Antony ropes his one of the frequent collaborator Janaki Iyer to croon the melancholy Unakkaga Varuven and the lady aces the song with her vocals. However, the tune has very less repeat value while Vijay Antony mixes the trance elements with symphonic string portions and wailing violin to set the mood in the interludes.Oru Vellai Sotrukaga has a laudable thought provoking lyrics and typical orchestration laden with progressive string sections. Yasin did a commendable job with his vocals, however, the tune is pretty much conventional and predictable which bogs down the listeners mood very much. The song may work with the flow of visuals but not as a standalone track.

The lovely Hindustani-based song Nenjorathil comes in another version with Deepak Doddera to croon this melodious number. The mesmerising tune makes this version also equally enjoyable while Vijay Antony retains the orchestration pretty much intact without any changes. Deepak Doddera did fairly commendable rendition as Supriya Joshi.Pichaikaran Theme music is a racy number with enough dosages of trance elements, chants packed with Arabic flavoured hummings in the background. The short duration makes less impact however the theme track is a decent and listenable one from Vijay Antony.

Verdict: Vijay Antony's Pitchaikaran has a couple of enjoyable numbers with Nenjorathil being the indisputable winner in this album. However, Vijay Antony fails to deliver equally well with melancholic numbers which make this album an average one.

My rating:7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Nenjorathil (both versions), Glamour song, Unakkaga Varuven

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

P.S Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.






Thursday, January 7, 2016

Music Review (Hindi): Jugni

Music Review (Hindi): Jugni
Music Composer: Clinton Cerejo 

     Though the album released a week back, the songs are simply brilliant which makes me to pen down my thoughts on this album here.

       The title track starts with the earnest folk rendition by Javed Bashir in the backdrop of mild guitar strums and what follows is the ebullient tune with well-arranged elements in the backdrop. The highlight of the orchestration is undeniably brilliant usage of mandolin and lovely second interlude. In the song's unplugged version, Neha Kakkar joins the proceedings and the tune takes somber route peppered by the harmonium.However, the sprightly original version works much better than this for its wide range of lovable orchestration. Dugg Duggi Dugg is the song of the soundtrack, soothing melody with the impeccable rendition by Vishal Bharadwaj. Clinton Cerejo complements the mood with minimal neat orchestration mainly with guitars which works beautifully for this lovely melody. 
Hatt Mullah is another best fusion song in the soundtrack which starts with Bianco Gomes tantalizing vocals followed by Baba Bulleh Shah's rustic vocals. Clinton's haunting dark orchestration with mild arabic flavour works wonderfully. Particularly sargams by Bulleh shah, the way Bianco's vocals mixed with drumming and heady Guitar rock base is the major highlight of this track. Bianco is excellent in the reprise version of the song also but the song creates less impact when compared to the original version.

         Bolladiyaan is Rekha Bharadwaj's show throughout and the lady aces the song like the only way she can with her resonating vocals. Clinton kept the orchestration subtle throughout the song. Dil Ke sang starts like Heer toh badi sad hai from Tamasha and the song is fun filled number with Nakash Aziz behind the mic to croon. Clinton uses foot-tapping rhythmic sounds with Dhols and other assorted sounds to give familiar Punjabi flavor to the song. Though Zarre Zarre Mein Noor Bhara confines well within the Quawalli template, the magic behind the Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's vocals makes this an enjoyable listen even though song is of 7 minutes duration. Javed Bashir returns back to deliver Dilaan De Saudey, with heady rhythmic rock base in the tune and fabulous sargams by Javed. Particularly loved the frenzy electric guitar sections in the interludes. Neha Kakkar does magic in her second song in the soundtrack, Joban Hai Shawwa and the song features splendid usage of folk string instruments, percussion amidst the guitar strums. Lakhon Salaam is also another fabulous listen and Kaasif Saahib (composer) roped A R Rahman to croon this track which has the middle eastern touch to it throughout and particularly loved the usage of flute to create the dark ambience setting to the song. Clinton ends the soundtrack with Heer, short track rides mainly on the earnest rendition by Nakash Aziz.


Verdict: Clinton Cerejo's debut for mainstream musical movie is outstanding and the film is about travel by musician, Clinton's score also traverse through various genres and flavors with indie touch to the songs.

My rating: 9/10

Pick of the Album: Dugg Duggi Dugg, Jugni, Hatt Mullah, Dilaan De Saudey, Lakhon Salaam

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.



Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Irudhi Sutru

Music Review (Tamil): Irudhi Suttru
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan


      Santosh owns Ei Sandakkara with highly mesmerizing Phil Hartl's violin portions throughout the song accompanied by lovely accordion and flute peppered occasionally. Dhee's earthy vocals is another major highlight of the song. Overall Santosh's unconventional tune and orchestration make this one undisputable winner in the soundtrack.Santosh mixes bluesy guitar cum Jazzy keyboard sound with upbeat kuthu elements effectually in Vaa machaney. Sean Roldan croons this song from the female point of view although in Hindi version Sunidhi Chauhan delivers the same song. However, Sean Roldan makes this own extremely enjoyable with his idiosyncratic humming/scatting portions.

      Usuru nerambula nee's tune is trademark Santosh one and arrangements also has whiff of Santosh's earlier songs. Once again Santosh roped Dhee to croon this song and she is fabulous in crooning this lovely melancholy with her rustic vocals. Santosh's minimal orchestration with keys and wailing string sections. Santosh's heady rock base for this Maya Visai tune is highly engaging with two debut singers Vijay Narain and Shri Shyamalingam as the lead while Santosh owns the chorus sections with his unique vocals. Josephy Vijay's Guitar work and bass portions are awesome throughout the song especially minute long solo towards the end. Poda Poda tune is a generic one and the tune comes lively mainly because of Pradeep Kumar's effectual sprightly rendition. Santosh did a neat job with arrangements and particularly loved the inclusion of EDM trance elements in the half-way. Vivek's optimistic lyrics and the Santosh's progressive arrangements will suit more with the visuals of the song.

My rating: 8.5/10

Verdict: Santosh delivers the first album of 2016 in style after relatively maintaining low-key in 2015. Santosh Narayanan once again proves that he can deliver the highly listenable album with enough experimentation in tune and orchestration.

Pick of the album: Ei Sandakara, Usuru Nerambula Nee, Vaa Machaney

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.