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Tamil Indie songs - October 2023

Kadhal Fantasy - Shameshan Mani Maran

Composed by Shameshan Mani Maran

Vocals - Kapil Kapilan

Lyrics - Yuwaji

Initially, I thought it was an indie track, but I later discovered that it's actually a song from a Tamil movie made in Malaysia. So what?


This song tells a great story, in an interesting way, weaving seamlessly through its intro, pre-chorus, and chorus with an infectious rhythm that's hard to resist. Despite my usual reservations about heavy English usage, I gladly put them aside for this track. The pre-chorus, with its poetic Tamil lines penned by Yuvvaji flow effortlessly like "Penmai ellam menmai endra ennam indru marudhey, minnalaga ennul paaigiraai" and propels the song to thrilling heights before landing into a charming chorus. Yuvvaji's lyrics are


Kapilan's rendition is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his impeccable vocal prowess. This song actually had me briefly thinking it could be an Anirudh creation. The sprinkling of gibberish, tight backing vocals, and the artful play between Dry & Wet vocals add layers of intrigue. The bass line, well-mixed and prominent, elevates the overall sonic experience. In a nutshell, this track is a must-listen, an experience worth taking.


Poidhana - Rozario & Maalvika

Composed & Arranged by Rozario

Performed by Rozario & Maalvika Deepak

Lyrics: Pa Iniyavan

Poidhana, by Maalvika ^ Rozario is a breath of fresh air with its original and innovative sounds, introducing elements like a dry organ and accordion in the intro and as fillers, along with surprising vocalizations and even the sound of coughing. The incorporation of the mouth trumpet is a unique and cool touch, something we don't come across frequently in music. The sincerity in both writing and arrangements shines through, creating a captivating contrast between different parts of the song.


I was pleasantly surprised to find that the vocals weren't heavily tuned, which is often a potential turn-off for me. The vocal performances are exceptional and add a layer of authenticity to the track.


What stood out most to me were the chord progressions, reminiscent of the ones in "Mayanadhi - from Kabali" This connection became the highlight of the song for me. In summary, it's a must-listen, offering a unique blend of original sounds and thoughtful composition.


Rain Rain Poi Thola - Urban Thozha

Music: Urban Thozha

Vocals: Urban Thozha & Reeha

Lyrics: Ashwin Samynathan

Rain Rain Poi Thola is a laid-back love song that cleverly integrates rain as a storytelling element. A noteworthy feature is the incorporation of children's vocals, which adds an interesting and endearing dimension to the composition. This unexpected element infuses the song with innocence and playfulness, complementing its overall tone perfectly.


The arrangements are both neat and uplifting, contributing to the song's relaxed atmosphere. Especially the guitar arrangements are well-crafted, providing a solid foundation for the track. The clean production allows each instrument to shine. The vocal performances though the lyrics could have been more refined, they align with the playful tone of the song. Any shortcomings in complexity can be overlooked within the context of the song's carefree ambiance.


The song delivers a feel-good experience, just like watching kids play in the rain, as they did in the good old times.



Vengai Penne - Rukhsar Bandukia

Composed & Performed by - Rukhsar Bandhukia

Music Producer, Mixing and Mastering - Mann Taneja

Tamil Lyrics: Mohan Rajan

Vengai Penne" is a motivational anthem that resonates with powerful lyrics, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. The standout feature of this track is the brilliant performance by Rukhsar, marking her Tamil debut with a captivating vocal delivery that demands attention. I was also taken aback to discover that "Vengai Penne" is the Tamil rendition of Rukhsar's song 'Hope.' It's hard to believe that the original version of 'Vengai Penne' was in English. Rukhsar and Mohan Rajan has done a brilliant job of making this song in Tamil.


The song's lyrics are a driving force, offering a potent message of hope and resilience. Rukhsar's rendition, especially during the chorus line, "Vengai Penne," takes the listener on a hopeful journey, infusing the track with a sense of optimism. The line "Kanneer vendam varum naatkal maarum, nambi sendral pudhu ulagam thondrum" is particularly poignant, evoking a powerful emotional response.


While the sub-bass might occasionally overshadow some low-end transients, it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the song. The lyrics, music, and Rukhsar's performance collectively create an immersive experience that transcends any minor technical nuances. It is a must-listen.




Neer Ninaivugal - Susantika, Pranav Muniraj

Performed by: Susantika & Pranav Muniraj

Written by: Surya Bharathi

Produced by: Pranav Muniraj

"Neer Ninavugal" by Susantika, with lyrics penned by Surya Bharathi and produced by Pranav Muniraj, may not be a recent release, but its timeless charm certainly deserves attention. As a fervent admirer of Susantika and Pranav Muniraj's previous works, such as the enchanting "Unna Pola" and the soulful "Pagadai," I found myself compelled to share my thoughts on this hidden gem.

Susantika's distinctive style, marked by poetically simple yet magnificent compositions, is evident in "Neer Ninavugal." The song, intriguingly short but power-packed, resonates with the kind of music I personally adore. The collaboration between Susantika and Pranav Muniraj consistently delivers precisely the musical experience that captivates my taste.

The Retro, Noir, and blues sound that has become synonymous with Susantika and Pranav Muniraj's work shines brightly in "Neer Ninavugal." The utilization of blues piano in the second half of the song adds a layer of nostalgia, transporting listeners to the golden age of blues. This choice of instrumentation is a masterstroke, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and authenticity.

While the song may not be a lengthy journey, its brevity is part of its brilliance.


Sila Naalai - Ram, Adithya RK & Uthara Unnikrishnan

Composed by: Ram

Performed by: Adithya RK & Uthara Unnikrishnan

Written by : Muthumani

"Sila Naalaai" emerges as a captivating love song, where the seamless collaboration between composer Ram, lyricist Muthumani, and singers Adithya RK & Uthara Unnikrishnan creates a an experience worth exploring. Ram's promising composition finds its perfect match in classically infused lyrics, creating a tight connection with the melody. Adithya RK's performance once again proves why he is a standout vocalist, infusing the song with his signature shine. The line, 'pattaapagalin vatta nilave thottuth thazhuvida yenginen,' is delivered with such emotion that it beckons listeners to rewind and savor the moment. Uthara Unnikrishnan's innocent vocals provide a delightful contrast, enhancing the song's emotional nuances.


The inclusion of flute and violin interludes introduces a classical dimension, swiftly transitioning into distortion/overdrive guitars. This unexpected blend of flavors adds depth to the composition. However, the use of electric guitars, while providing a dynamic edge, occasionally feels overpowering amidst the other layers. Despite this, the song succeeds in bringing together soft female vocals and piercing male vocals, creating a harmonious balance.


In conclusion, "Sila Naalaai" is undeniably a commendable love song, with its contrasting flavors and emotive storytelling.


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