Sreeraj seems to be exploring Saranga/Hamirkalyani raaga in Minni chinnum that he himself sings confidently. The orchestration has a strong Rahman-touch, particularly Love Birds’ Malargale malargale. Sreya Jayadeep’s sweet voice...
Continue reading...ISM (Music review), Telugu – Anup Rubens
Anup makes a punchy use of Western (popularly known as cowboy music!) music in Kanulu navainaa, while also inserting classic Indian elements like that violin! Jubin Nautiyal and Mohana Bhagaraju...
Continue reading...Hitman – October 15, 2016
Originally published in The Hindu. Chil chinchilamai – Thoppil Joppan (Malayalam – Vidyasagar) It would be massively unfair to refer to Vidyasagar as someone who apes Ilayaraja really well, more...
Continue reading...Yaakkai (Music review), Tamil – Yuvan Shankar Raja
Neee is a superb melody that builds on the EDM sound really well. Yuvan’s singing leaves a LOT to be desired, but he makes up for it in other departments....
Continue reading...Rama Rama Re (Music review), Kannada – Vasuki Vaibhav
News nodi offers a splashy opening to the soundtrack, with a fantastic jazz flavor and seamlessly changing pace mid-way. Vasuki Vaibhav carries the vocals wonderfully. He also competently handles the...
Continue reading...Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings (Music review), Tamil – Yuvan Shankar Raja
Soppana Sundari spins around Goundamani’s iconic Karagattakaran dialog, but the enthusiasm seems rather forced. The remix is a decidedly better, with punchy electronic sounds. The Boys Are Back is all...
Continue reading...Kavi Uddheshichathu (Music review), Malayalam – Jakes Bejoy and Vinu Thomas
Vinu Thomas seems unduly inspired by A R Rahman in Innaleyum – the song could easily fit in En Swasa Katre’s soundtrack; and then there’s that humming evoking Roja’s Chinna...
Continue reading...Aanandam (Music review), Malayalam – Sachin Warrier
Dooreyo has a spunky indi-pop vibe and the 4-men voice mix featuring Vishak Nair, Suchith Suresan, Ashwin Gopakumar and Sachin Warrier handles the on-the-road rock feel well. Sachin takes on...
Continue reading...Hitman – October 8, 2016
Originally published in The Hindu. Bholay bhalay – Coke Studio Pakistan, Season 9 (Singer: Meesha Shafi. Composed by Shani Arshad) Shani Arshad’s vocoder sampled voice opens the song and that...
Continue reading...Shivaay (Music review), Hindi – Mithoon and Jasleen Royal
Bolo har har har is almost medley’ish, trying to do something for everyone – Badshah’s rap stands out amidst the busy-everything. Darkhaast is vintage Mithoon – dulcet melody, expertly mounted...
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