Shelle’s Punjabi word-play, and choice of words in particular, stand out in Inayat, a haunting, almost prayer-like tune. The vocals start with Clinton and Vijay taking turns, till Bianca swooshes in for a lovely phrase after the 3-minute mark. Haal-e-dil comes alive with Clinton and Pozy’s guitar work and Gino’s drums, as much as it does with Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics, with the trio using the title hook in a thoroughly endearing way. Vijay’s classical interludes, possibly touching Reetigowlai raaga, are fantastic. Vijay rules over Thukraaye too, with his dependably excellent singing, lending support to the somber tune headined by Bianca. Dhruv Ghanekar’s guitar solo adds significant value to the song that also sees a Tamil version, Manasellaam. Louiz Banks ends Kaare badra with a spell-binding keyboard solo even as Vijay Prakash’s semi-classical phrases stand out. Aage too is Vijay’s show, with him effortlessly gliding over the soulful tune, along with Bianca. Embar Kannan’s violin plays a lovely part in the song too. The album’s best, Paabandiyan has an Amit Trivedi’s swagger to its tune, while also making stupendous use of Clinton’s guitar and classical alaaps in its fold. Spirited, classy debut album by Ananthaal, demonstrating what Indipop could really be.
Keywords: Clinton Cerejo, Bianca Gomes, Vijay Prakash, Ananthaal, 200, #200
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