Posts Tagged ‘iTunes’

When the unexpected news came about earlier this summer of Panjabi superstar Diljit readying to unite with one of the UK’s titan music directors in Sukhjit Singh Olk, widely known as “Tru-Skool”, we were instantly on tenterhooks about the results this plethora of talent could conjure up.

With Diljit’s contentious follow-up album to ‘The Next Level’ alongside Honey Singh scrapped, the artist has looked to get back on the straight and narrow and give his music a reboot. With his acting career blossoming, the services of a certain folk architect from Derby were called upon and the journey Back to Basics began. We put the collaboration through its paces and have attempted to dissect the inner workings in order to find out if this move has done the trick.

B2B’s lead track Kharku is a downright earth-shattering starter that sets the precedent for Back to Basics. In his opening gambit Diljit marks his intent in unequivocal style, unencumbered by instruments and indeed rubberstamps the hefty, combative chorus penned by the tremendously talented Veet Baljit. The brooding nature of Kharku is relayed by Tru-Skool and as such sets the tempo at a positively bruising 82 beats per minute. The producer elects to use a punishing variety of percussion as his weapon of choice on the opener and boy does it inflict damage coupled with the matching no-holds-barred bassline! Nonetheless, the spectacle is only enhanced through timeless sarangi bites, perceptive mandolin pieces and swarming tumbi which all combine to harmonising effect.

The dramatic visuals directed by Gifty see our protagonist administer a first-hand lesson in respect to a bunch of trifling goons. Though the adaptation of the concept lacks in imagination, it does seem to sell and does cater to Dosanjh’s growing acting credentials.

Quoted within the inlay “Back 2 Basics… is an attempt to return to a bygone era of distant history” and you’ll find no better demonstration of that than the exemplary Truck. Paying homage to the living legend, maestro and king of all Panjabi producers, Charanjit Ahuja, Tru-Skool finds the ‘same line and wave length’ with Diljit to accomplish quite an astonishing three and half minutes of history.

We were taken aback at the rustic vocal effort mustered by Diljit and the true skill involved to not be overwhelmed by such a finely-tuned, uncut composition. Reminiscent of the sound first created by Ahuja decades ago, Tru-Skool delves into the old school collating the sounds of his tumbi, his harmonium, his tabla alongside mandolin sections performed Amarjit Singh Hayer (Kaos Productions) and the signature Ahuja signature Spanish-style guitar executed by another, often unsung uber-talented UK musician, Pammi Singh Sahib (Sahib G). Moreover, the impeccable harmonium performance is one element to listen out for with its beautiful intricacies and ability to create a real sense of occasion, a truly memorable one at that!

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A voice that has been kept under wraps while a pursuit of academia took precedence and a subsequent period abroad as he successfully scaled professional heights; an epitome of the present-day Punjabi striving to achieve, excel in the world and indeed rise to the upper echelons of society.

Having already a forged a formidable singing reputation following his alliance with Moviebox, now Switzerland based vocalist Tej Hundal is back for the long haul with illustrious  composer and music  producer Ravi Bal, responsible for Malkit Singh’s Midas Touch, Surjit Khan’s Headliner and most recently Avtar Maniac’s Haneri, enlisted for musical duties on this 8-track solo project.

Considering Hundal’s background, it is only apt that this fresh venture be named Punjabian Da Raaj. With Ravi Bal at the ship’s helm, his unmistakeable knack of nurturing fledgling talent is key to this partnership coming into fruition. Having a track record elevating the careers of the likes of Lakhwinder Wadali and Preet Harpal amongst others, Hundal’s potent vocal chords are ideal ingredients for Bal to wield his wand upon and yield results for an international audience.

A turbocharged curtain-raiser lies in wait as the title track Punjabian Da Raaj (Ravi Bal Mix) is intended to set proceedings off to a flyer and does precisely that with plenty of gusto from Tej Hundal who is propelled by Ravi Bal’s indomitable musical input.

As the expression goes, “start as you mean to go on” and Hundal does not hesitate in fluent vocal delivery all the while maintaining an all-important razor-edge on this stirring opener with the iconic GT Road at its heart.  PDR also gives an insight into his astonishing, unending range and natural ability to hit challenging notes at ease.

Famed for his seamless innovation and capacity to inject spark into his work, the lynchpin Ravi Bal once more serves up a pumped-up, beat-centric composition designed to take you by surprise on Naina Vale Teer (RBP Head Bop Mix). Despite the  unfamiliar surroundings, Hundal’s versatility shines through ensuring he does not play second-fiddle.

Lined with the boisterous buzz of the algozey is Nakhre (Ravi Bal Desi Mix) and an opportunity for the singer to vent his frustration and make it clear that enough is enough, the emotional-turmoil must end! Producer Bal slips in classy harmonium pieces and ties it all together with folk percussion full of inexplicable appeal.

Teri Fida sees the duo completely ease off the accelerator and create a graceful, easy-listening experience which neatly unites a traditional folk composition alongside a contemporary, minimal soundscape shaped by understated synths and all-around composed exploits on keys.

The ante is upped on  Hon Takre (Ravi Bal Karkoo Mix) where Tej Hundal shifts into combative mode as the vocalist engages a stranglehold on the RBP arrangement to ruthless effect! The pair produce another feat of agile, inspired execution on the urban-angled number coming in the form of Pehle Tor Di.

Accomplished songstress Rani Randeep harmoniously pitches in at the tail-end of album to join the lead protagonist for the scintillating party duet entitled Dollar Ta Pound (Ravi Bal Paisa Mix) with the “Wizard” Ravi Bal integral to making it rain! Diamond-cut chords galore, tumbi strewn wildly and signature RBP percussion will compel you to clap along as both singers perform at full-tilt. However, Tej Hundal’s ace in the hole, a jaw-dropping switch in singing octave takes centre stage and equips the chorus with extra firepower!

Ha Karde rhythmically concludes proceedings with its regimented backdrop and Hundal matching its punchiness with yet another display worth its weight in gold. As per the song, the only question that remains is whether his efforts gain approval?…

Please support the artists by legally purchashing Punjabian Da Raaj for only £3.99 from iTunes.

Follow me on Twitter @HarkBhambra

From the instant we first laid ears on the initial promo for Time Naal, we had a strong inkling this may be a chart-topper in the making and despite competition from other corners, this colourful Manak-E and Kaos Productions joint venture has indeed taken an early lead ahead of its rivals this week. However, we anticipate this single will be more than just a one-week wonder and has the legs to go the distance and dominate dancefloors.

Partnering up with Kaos Productions for the first time since joining VIP Records, the stalwart veteran of the scene takes centre stage on this exceptionally no-nonsense, full-on family entertainer of a track that promises to resonate with the masses. With Manak-E adopting a paternal persona, Time Naal revolves about a father’s strict, bordering on an iron fist approach to parenthood and dealing with his ever-so disobedient, unable to keep track of time offspring!

Alongside Manak-E on this uncompromising, take no prisoners mission is the similarly formidable production outfit Kaos Productions, who have seen a meteoric rise through their impressive grind on Saini Surinder’s Mundra, Jasjot Singh Ghuman’s Yellow Brick Road EP and more recently the unstoppable Gurbhej Brar and his album Panjabi Touch.

Here, the clever ticking of a clock acts as useful extension of the theme and the producers even work in the ominous, clattering sound of a father’s “helping-hand” to great percussive effect! The groovy chord riff, purposeful harmonium pieces and synths brimming with grandeur cap a thoroughly solid production that, admittedly, is less folk than we’re used to from Kaos Productions and instead geared towards crowd-appeal, but the team pull off the transition with remarkable ease and leave us with an unforgettable hookline.

Sticking with the song’s universal concept, VIP Records kept us waiting on the much anticipated Guvy Heer-directed visuals too! Well, here they are and we must say they tie-in cohesively with Manak-E emphatically whipping his three sons into shape. Please support the artists by purchasing Time Naal from iTunes now.

Follow me on Twitter @HarkBhambra

With his future in the business very much up in the air, fan-favourite Garry Sandhu is reunited with the producer responsible for Sandhu’s biggest hit thus far Tohar and joins forces with classy songstress Sudesh Kumari to pay homage to the folk duet legends Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot with their rendition of Ik Gal.

Again, like with his recent collaborative effort Brick alongside GV, Ik Gal has received overwhelming support from Garry’s loyal fanbase that has catapulted this desi tete-a-tete into the dizzy heights of the mainstream downloads chart!

Sandhu gives it a real go vocally to emulate the Chamkila swagger, adding that mischief and forthrightness whereas Kumari, as ever, is the harmonising factor and eloquently conveys her pent up frustration in her role as the voice of reason. On the musical front, DJ Dips has kept the composition traditional and opts for a barebones folk production with tumbi, banjo and dhol doing the major legwork to perhaps retain the original’s uncut, folk authenticity.

Ik Gal is now available to purchase via the iTunes link below.

Beware, Haneri (Storm) is set to cause widespread chaos and leave a path of destruction in its wake!

An ominous rumble in the air lingers as swirling winds charge forth and a volatile surge in pressure closes in… A STORM of unparalleled magnitude is brewing! Prepare for your senses to be engulfed by the colossal vocal chords of one Avtar Maniac; the raw, undiluted force behind Folk You and 2 Extreme. Following a uncharacteristic quiet spell on the sidelines apart from a brief yet significant appearance on Popsy’s Hyper (Khanda (Punjabi Di Pehchaan) and Nach Bhabiye Ni), the mercurial folk specialist has called upon illustrious producer and modern-age musical marvel Ravi Bal to provide the canvas for Haneri – a 4-track EP releasing via Moviebox that ought to come with a safety disclaimer such is the intensity of the sounds unleashed by the duo!

Holding nothing in reserve, Dhann Kaur (Ravi Bal Mix) is a signal of intent, a white-knuckle adrenaline rush that is set on its way in smouldering fashion by mighty Maniac over an equally forceful and unrestrained backing courtesy of Ravi Bal that is full of bold, sweeping percussion and extravagant sarangi pieces. The explosive vocals alongside an animated and compelling composition prove an overwhelming blend that builds up to a crescendo for Maniac to wax lyrical about the eye of the storm, the dominant Dhan Kaur herself!

Producer Ravi Bal opts to stay in the folk fast-lane with Aaja Makhana and Maniac is all too happy to oblige as his razor-sharp vocals gel in fine style on this signature offering from RBP. Keen to show that he can adapt to different musical styles, Avtar Maniac takes to the less conventional, more contemporary Pashaan Mitro with similar gusto and effortlessly negotiates the engaging rhythm inextricably crafted by Bal.

The singer further brings his folk A-game to Anakhi Punjabi and demonstrates his astonishing range, clarity and natural vocal ferocity on this hearty number. With the tempo cranked up a notch, Ravi Bal maintains an all-important bite to the percussion and produces a masterclass on keys on this pride-fuelled track which Maniac thrives upon.

The Maniac-RBP powerhouse ensures there is no let-up throughout proceedings. Beware, Haneri (Storm) is set to cause widespread chaos and leave a path of destruction in its wake!

Watch Dhann Kaur wreak havoc upon the masses as director Parmod Sharma Rana applies his touch on the visuals for the blistering Dhann Kaur (Ravi Bal Mix).

Haneri (Storm) will be available to purchase digitally on iTunes and on CD from your local Asian music store from 28th June 2012.

With a follow up to the quite frankly impressive debut album From The Ground Up firmly in the works, highly regarded music producer GV brings in Garry Sandhu from his brief spell in the wilderness to feature on a thumping, potential-anthem of a release.

Brick is the first taste of the new album from GV entitled Old Habits Die Hard. As a pair, they instantly grabbed the attention of the masses with the memorable single Fresh and with their latest joint effort already inflicting significant damage on mainstream iTunes charts it appears the team have continued where they left off and then some!

A sedate, stringed start to proceedings is brought to life with a heaving slice of rapturous percussion of the kind that we’ve become accustomed to from GV’s productions. Along with the tumbi now in full flight, Sandhu fires up the vocal chords as he lays the foundations for Brick’s premise. Centred on the robust building block as a metaphor for strength and solidarity, popular songwriter Tari Banwalipuria has come up with the goods on this one as Garry’s easy-going vocals take to the lyrics effortlessly, resulting in a clinical return for the singer. The chorus in particular works a treat and is a fine example of producer and vocalist working in co-ordination.

GV slips in delightful banjo work throughout which contributes well to the track’s heartiness. Another cornerstone to the track is the decision to provide Sandhu with solid backing vocals that both complement and add to the heft with their combined grunt. Having called upon Ballistic Productions to do their magic on the video set in Bilga, Punjab, both GV and label Moviebox will be pleased with the thoroughly professional outcome. Coming in at a healthy 83 BPM, Brick has definite crowd-appeal and could become a popular fixture in playlists over the summer and beyond!

Please support the artists and purchase the single via iTunes.

With the wind firmly in his sails following the storming success of singles Chak Dhen Geh and Gidheh Vich Nach, Gurbhej Brar’s debut solo album Panjabi Touch finally made its way to us and by early accounts has the hallmarks of a Bhangra blockbuster.

Going by the previous exploits of the three main components that form the spine of the project; these being lead protagonist Gurbhej Brar, chief production outfit Kaos Productions and guest producer Tru-Skool, we expected a folk-centric album with lung-busting performances across the board from Brar. However, as it turns out, Panjabi Touch digs deeper into the skillset of all involved and manages to unearth some delectable musical revelations too.

A series of synth chords sequenced in playful fashion bring in the enthusiastically up-tempo Ehna Maan Ni which sees Brar in spirited voice as he fires a few home truths in his own candid style over pulsating tumbi and purposeful algozey pieces. This full tilt tee-off is tailgated by the most recently released single in the run-up to the album. Many would have already heard the feel-good jam Giddheh Vich Nach with its dub styling, catchy composition and rapturous chorus drop that hasn’t yet lost its sheen.

At track 3 we witness a wish list track with the lyrics of Kaalah Ghagraa intended quite literally to entice a few handcrafted gifts from a kind well-wisher! The production is rich, heavy and highly-decorated to mirror the lavish items craved. The bassline is particularly heady and mandolin pieces intricate, perhaps used to extend the demanding theme. The brute-force vocals of Brar continue unabated on the Tru-Skool produced hip-hop doused Chak Dhen Geh that requires little introduction such has been its imprint on the scene.

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The good news is that Surjit Khan, whose career is now spanning long past a decade, is recording his magnificent instrument which is still to this day retaining plenty of its power and agility. Set out to reignite passion into the genre with his magnetic persona and fiery songs reminiscent of days past, Khan has a voice so forceful it can roll back time. Being blessed with a deep and distinctive voice; his timbre is authoritative, but also warming to the ear.

Much to the excitement of his already sizeable army of fans who have experienced diamond gem discs including Akhian Ladha Lai Chup Karke, Hassia Na Kar and Balle Ishqaa, his newest offering Headliner 2 sees Surjit Khan reignite the formidable collaboration with renowned production pioneer, Ravi Bal. As Khan’s career has progressed, he’s also come to ally it to something of a Ravi Bal signature sound, based around intrinsic musical compositions, sometimes all coated in an energy-filled, structured sheen.

Stepping from the stone’s left from their previous crater, Surjit Khan and Ravi Bal beared no remorse leaving behind the infectious Juthi and destructive Chakne Noo Kare Thiar. With Headliner 2, the dynamic collaboration aimed to deliver and have presented an unyielding and substantially satisfying collection of high quality upbeat tracks and atmospheric ballads.

Containing ten tracks, the album contains some magic moments: the vocal fireworks capping the extraordinary electric and imposing freight train-like Teri Jugni, engulfing the senses through its crushing production values and Khan’s ruthless execution intended to rattle a few cages! Continuing onto the deep lyricism and effortless delivery in Maa (Kaanvan), an indelible heart-tugger of a ballad that will surely give goose bumps such is the delicate rendition by Khan on the sublime musical arrangement laid out by Ravi Bal. This is a performance of the highest order and does exceptional justice to Shaukat Ali’s classic. Buzzing algozey, funky chords and clap-heavy percussion on the playful Seventies-style soul-jazz jammy Gabhru Gulaab Varga are just three of the many elements on the retro number which serves as a prime example of vocalist and producer being on the same wavelength.

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On February 23, to much fanfare, one of the new generation’s torchbearers unleashed one of the most eagerly awaited albums in recent times. The aptly titled My Time is the realisation of years learning the craft and it marks the fully-fledged, grand arrival of Manni Sandhu, precocious talent behind showstopper tracks Door Ni Kulne and more recently Sona.

Those who have followed Manni’s progression from the bedroom music producer, the Dj Manni days right through to underground bootlegs The Demo, Mutual Concept Vol 1 and the breakthrough single Pawara will know this individual is far from an orthodox, straight-down-the-middle Bhangra producer. We’re glad to say he has stuck to his guns, kept true to his influences and delivered a project that is representative of Sandhu’s progressive mentality.

Now, usually once you’ve heard an intro, very rarely does it warrant multiple plays but that’s exactly the case with the fierce Jelly Manjitpuri sarangi-grime fest My Time. Jelly lays down the law in explosive fashion as the traditional instrumentation collides with Manni’s raw, pulsating beats and not forgetting that thunderous bass! The Manjit Dhaliwal-written Bottle follows and is a slick club joint sung by Lehmber Hussainpuri. The irrepressible, funkiness factor of this track stems from the flamboyant accent on the synthy chords allied by the punctual mandolin riffs.

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