The Score Magazine February 2019 issue | Page 20

SHREYA BOSE INDIE REVIEWS Khwaab feat. Shubha Mudgal (INALAB): Have you wondered what it would feel like if Shubha Mudgal gave voice to the first riff you ever wrote? The answer lies with Gaurav Balani (of Parikrama) and his new single. The song flirts with jazz, but is rooted in the redolent vocal conviction of Shubha Mudgal, who also penned the lyrics. Her expansive voice lends life to words that hail the hearts of dreamers who do not abandon their intentions, difficulties and obstacles be damned. Her celebrated tone soars to an almost ominous edge, elevating the dreamer’s instinct as a thing of solemn adulation. The track gathers a constellation of noteworthy musicians.Drummer Tarun Balani (of electronic outfit Time Machine) and guitarist Aditya Balani spin and scintillate, causing sound to become story, sustenance and revelation. Sarangi player Suhail Yusuf Khan lays forth a patina of sound design to enchant, as it cocoons Shubha Mudgal’s voice with relentless, irresistible artistry. INALAB inspires and captivates, compelling one to dwell upon the nature of that ineffable impulse that has uplifted individuals and driven forth passion and madness. If you are the kind that speaks to themselves more often than to others, you might just ask yourself the question the song poses: Where do these dreams beckon me to? Spaces feat. Vernon Noronha (Arrows): Birthed by Mumbai-based musician David Britto, Arrows features music in collaboration with a plethora of artists who align with his vision. Spaces is a charming ditty, composed of the half-light, wistful sounds defined as quintessentially “indie”. Britto’s lyrics are deeply personal, as evidenced by their slightly awkward poesy. I sit and ponder on the past its funny I thought it will last And you promised all that I didn’t look back 18 The Score Magazine highonscore.com