AUDIO SCAN
Magic of lounge music

Nerves frayed by monotonous film cacophony heave a sigh of relief when they get to hear something different. This private album thrives on pure lounge music snatches which owe no thanks to cinematic origins.

There is interplay of sound and silence, which is especially enjoyable when there are no vocals at all. The names of various compositions are as unusual as the sounds. To name just one, how do you like "Elephant style"? Doesn’t it sound intriguing? And the instruments used? Sitar, bass guitar, keyboards and the kitchen sink. Yes, you heard it right, the kitchen sink. What matters is the overall effect, and that is wow in this Sean "Cavo" Dinsmore creation.

Closer home, Ustad Zakir Hussain is in an equally playful mood in Milan. At nearly nine minutes, this is the longest song of the album.

The album brings together some of the biggest names in lounge music. They include Karunesh, Karsh Kale, Midival Punditz, Indian Ocean, Prem Joshua, Maish Vyas, Dum Dum Project and Niladri Kumar. There is also a brand new track by Niyaz.

The melodies come from all over India. So, you get the feel of arid sands of Rajasthan in some and the lush undergrowth of Kerala in others.

Karunesh uses Arabian strains to great effect in Inshallah. Niladri Kumar slows down the speed almost to a zero through his Sitar gaze.

Begum Abida Parveen is the odd woman out in this genre but her Hairan hua hairan hua is absolutely captivating.

Midival Punditz’ vocals are haunting in the closing number Rattiyan.

It is easy to criticise established composers for monopolising the scene and regurgitating their previous hits. But it is difficult for new composers to even come close to their second-grade creations.

This is one album which breaks this general rule. Music director Pritam has some saucy songs — of which anyone much more established will be proud.

Now don’t expect an outstanding performance. It is just that he shows fluency much beyond his film age. What a pity he has spoilt the effect through songs like Ishq hai jhootha (Sunidhi Chauhan and Kunal Ganjawala) which are a poor copy of some previous Bollywood hits.

Nearly all songs are aimed at youngsters in love with the dance floor. That is why all these can be had as ringtones. The lyricists are equally wet behind the ears. Dev Kohli is the only veteran. Greenhorns Amitabh Verma, Mayur Puri, Subrat Sinha, Shabbir Ahmed and Shaan have not done a bad job at all.

Shaan has sung Yaaron with feeling along with Sonu Nigam. He has also penned this popular song in the company of Mayur Puri. A new voice who has made her presence felt is Suzanne D’Mello. Her Jhoom is happening.

— ASC