Music Review (Indipop) : Andholan

Music Review (Indipop) : Andholan
Music Composer: Mekaal Hasan Band

Bheem, with its melodious starting flute by Papu digressed into heavy guitar in the mid way. The lovely combination of guitar and flute towards the ending of first interlude deserves a special mention and Sharmistha chaterjee delivers the classical raga brilliantly. Next comes Champakali eponym of the wonderful classical raga and the lady aces it.The 40 second flute portions (2:50 to 3:30) in the middle and towards the end garnished with sudden outburst of guitar riffs makes this an enticing listen in an album.In an adaptation of Baba Bulle shah's sufi poetry Gunghat again Papu's flute and Mekaal's guitar is the show stealer. This 5 minute long song has guitar riffs continuosly flows in tandem with Sharmistha's vocals.In Kinarey Sharmistha takes full control over the enchanting tune and arrangements are minimal with paced down flute to fabricate the wonderful ambience. Nearly 7 minute long Maalkauns based on the Raga Malkauns dominated with thumping guitar and some captivating flute portions is a captivating listen. The coordination between flute and guitar portions are top-notch results in the well conceived blissful song. Megh too one of the best sung songs in the album by Sharmistha with neatly done concoction of flue, guitar and drums in arrangement. Sayon, with enthusiastic start is a slow and poignant melody handled deftly by Sharmistha and supported by splendid Papu's flute solos. Catchy guitar portions throughout the song in the background is an addictive touch to the song. Sindhi, shortest song in the whole album where Sharmistha, Mekaal and Papu is in impressive form especially Mekaal churning out inventive guitar solos.

Verdict: Mekaal Hasaan band delivers extremely pleasant third album with new vocalist Sharmistha. Surely must listen Indipop Album.

Pick of the Album: Whole Album

P.S: I don't want to rate this album and disparage the wonderful work by comparing with other album reviews in my blog.Just soak yourself into the musical world created with minimal instruments (guitar, flute and drums) by Mekaal Hasaan. Surely this album will make you listen to other works done by this band.


You can listen to the songs here.

Music Review: Raunaq (Indian Album)

Music Review: Raunaq (Indian Album)
Music Composer: A R Rahman

In Laadli, Lata Mangeshkar's age factor is quite apparent in her vocals and Rahman uses her voice minimal, giving the simple yet beautiful classic portions to the chorus. Rahman enters into the foray with his high pitched singing and usage of mild tabla throughout the song accentuates well with the flow of the song. Kho Jaayein Hum is a recitation of Kapil SIbal's poetry by Shweta pandit and Jyoti and Rahman uses the minimal orchestration prevailed by vocals. 

Geet Gaaon, a somber melody adorned with Jazz flavored orchestration by Jonita Gandhi is an exciting listen. Particularly usage of sitar in the interludes and minimal strings throughout the song blends perfectly with Jonita's breezy vocals. Jonita gandhi is getting similar type of songs from Rahman but not a problem though. Aabhi Jaa, another song with a soulful rendition by Jonita gandhi orchestrated beautifully with flute in the prelude, mandolin in the middle followed by percussions and sweeping strings towards the end. K S Chitra joined with A R Rahman after a long gap for Sach Kahoon and she sounds so enticing as always for the simple pleasant filmy tune. Khatta meeta rides high on the punchy chorus along with brilliant usage of strings is an excellently arranged song in Mohith chauhan's vocals. Kismat se, fairly ordinary tune works because of Shreya goshal's singing and some nice touches in the orchestration by Rahman results in average track in the whole album.

Verdict: Raunaq is a filmy album with nice compostions by A R Rahman but lacks enough punch for multiple listens

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Sach Kahoon, Aabhi Jaa, Laadli