Fresh Indie Fridays #18

Anirudh Varma – Melancholic Rhapsody

New Delhi pianist and composer Anirudh Varma’s debut solo piano EP Melancholic Rhapsody is an array of six majestic compositions. There’s a calming bliss to the music as Varma poignantly performs his compositions with ease and a certain sense of charm. Stand-out tracks on the record include the six-and-a-half-minute opener “Reflecting” and the dramatic closer “Moonlit Shadow.”

Temsu Clover – “Dumplings for the Sad”

Last week, Dimapur-based singer-songwriter Temsu Clover released her elegant new single “Dumplings for the Sad.” The track includes chic guitar work that creates a dreamy effect as Clover’s angelic vocals draw you in. In a statement, the artist said, “I wrote this song during last year’s pandemic. It started as a random Q&A on my WhatsApp status, and I ended up writing a song based on their replies.” She adds, “I realised my friends were all going through something and were mostly depressed.” One of the replies Clover received was of a friend missing street dumplings which she’s adopted as the song’s title as well as the cute lyric video that’s out too.

Film – “Renting a Cloud”

Cinematic Pune band Film juxtaposes funk, disco, R&B and extravagant vocal melodies on their new single “Renting a Cloud.” Through their lyrics, the outfit sings about how relationships play a very impermanent part in our lives, whether in terms of love or friendship. In a statement, the duo said, “As we levitate in this nebulous of relationships, we find ourselves encountering a myriad of episodes and experiences. Each cloud is rented to elucidate the impermanence of these experiences and associations. Nothing is permanent, not even our loved ones.”

Skeletron, BMD and Trichia Grace-Ann – “Hocus Pocus”

Goa-based artists; DJ/producer Skeletron, pianist and vocalist/rapper Trichia Grace-Ann as well as hip-hopper Karl Rodrigues aka BMD join forces on a brand new bop titled “Hocus Pocus.” As Skeletron lays a canvas of Arabian flutes, tablas and fusion elements, Grace-Ann and BMD deliver playful rhymes about their love for the beachside state. The trio has also released a fantastic music video that sees them at a poker table while performing the track.

Aditi Iyer – Doll House

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Aditi Iyer released her four-track sophomore EP Doll House earlier this week. The young artist showcases her mature songwriting across the record as she sings about abusive relationships. Sonically, Iyer leans towards dark rock tones and moody soundscapes that complement her lyrics and vocal delivery.

Zanuski – “Kindness”

Mumbai producer Zahaan Khan aka Zanuski’s latest offering is his neo-classical single titled “Kindness.” The track is a calming listen with string arrangements, delicate piano work and an overall movielike feel.