Earthy, soulful music clicks in 'Kailasa Chaandan Mein'

By Ruchika Kher, Album: 'Kailasa Chaandan Mein'; Music Directors: Kailash Kher, Naresh Kamath and Paresh Kamath; Lyricist: Kailash Kher; Singer: Kailash Kher; Rating: ***1/2

Kailasa - the Band, which comprises Kailash Kher and brothers Paresh and Naresh Kamath, has proven its mettle before with its previous albums "Kailasa" and "Kailasa Jhoomo Re". And it doesn't disappoint in "Chaandan Mein" either - the music is soulful and soaked in folk influences, the lyrics are thought-provoking and Kailash Kher's renditions are captivating.

"Kailasa Chaandan Mein" is a sheer delight for music buffs.

The album kickstarts with "Chaandan Mein", a soft and slow-paced track with a folk setting that has a rustic feel. Kher's charismatic voice grows on the listener and without doubt is the hightlight of the song. "Chaandan mein" is a poignant love ballad with lyrics and composition that are top-notch.

Up next is a totally opposite, fun track titled "Na batati tu" that begins with the strumming of the acoustic guitar. The song, a fusion of Indian and western arrangements, is high on energy and brilliantly sung by Kher. The song has an amazing ending that takes listeners to another level altogether.

"Teri yaad mein" is a poignant number after the foot-tapping "Na batati tu" and creates a completely different mood. The steady pace of the song and the profound lyrics make it an interesting hear.

Next in line is "Bheeg gaya mera mann", a song meant for the monsoons. The use of the guitar, tabla and flute in the song, added with engrossing lyrics, makes it one of the most beautiful rain numbers.

"Ishq ho gaya" is one of the best songs in the album that expresses the despair of a woman who has fallen in love. The haunting and edgy musical backing along with brilliant and intense vocals by Kher make the song stand out. The band seems to have gone that extra mile to compose this track.

Another song with an earthy flavour is "Piya ghar aavenge". But this one is average.

Next on the playlist is "Rang rangma". It is an amalgamation of Indian and western instruments but still has a Rajasthani folk feel to it. The song is not as interesting as the others in the album.

A different track in the album is "Kar kar mein haara". The musical instruments used are varied - from the sitar to the guitar. A foot-tapping, pleasing and simple number, it is sure to strike a chord with listeners. The song has great lyrics.

Along with these eight tracks, the album also entails two equally nice bonus tracks from the band's previous albums - "Albela saajan" from "Kailasa" and "Tere naina" from "Kailasa Jhoomo Re".

On the whole, "Kailasa Chaandan Mein" could well help Kailasa score a hat-trick of super hit albums.

--IANS