'Gulaal' offers fresh, thought-provoking songs (IANS Music Review)

Film: 'Gulaal'; Music Director: Piyush Mishra; Lyricist: Piyush Mishra; Singers: Rahul Ram, Shilpa Rao, Swanand Kirkire, Piyush Mishra, Rekha Bharadwaj, Aushim, Rating: ***

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's latest offering 'Gulaal' boasts of thought-provoking renditions. The songs are different, original and have substance. The album is a heady cocktail of diverse genres and innovations.

'Aarambh', a song soaked in the expression of revolution, sets the adrenalin pumping with its fast pace and hard hitting vocals by Rahul Ram. The musical arrangements are Indian to the core with the sounds of sitar, tabla, trumpets and bells dominating the number. This is not the kind of music you will hear every day.

The highlight of the next song 'Aisi Sazaa' is the deep and enchanting voice of Shilpa Rao. The composition touches a chord and stays with the listener for long. The use of thunder and rain add to the song's mood. This poignant rendition is sure to create a niche for itself.

Rekha Bharadwaj is up next with 'Beedo', an energetic rustic song with the feel of a mujra. The song might not become a chartbuster but is surely worth listening to.

Next comes 'Duniya', which can be called a rare work in terms of treatment. Piyush Mishra takes over the vocals too in this number and does a good job with his baritone voice. It has a classical touch and is impressive.

'Raat ke musafir' gives us music that we haven't heard in years. It is a haunting number that lets the singer's voice take centre-stage. The song rides high on the powerful yet seductive vocals by Rahul Ram. 'Raat...' is what brilliant compositions are made of.

Like 'Beedo', 'Ranaji' too explores the folk genre and falls in the category of a mujra. But this one is contemporary and wacky. With unusual lyrics and some brilliant singing by Rekha Bhardwaj, the song will surely attract attention.

Up next is 'Shehar', the longest track of the album, which is categorised by lovely vocals, sparse music and a revolutionary mood. A good effort by Piyush Mishra yet again.

'Yaara maula' is a classic. Rahul Ram, Piyush Mishra and Aushim have gone behind the mike for the song that has a strong background score without using too many instruments. The number picks up tempo and string instruments are introduced at a later stage.

On the whole, the music of 'Gulaal' is thoughtful and a welcome break from remix numbers stuffed into most albums today. An experimental soundtrack, the composer deserves kudos for creating compositions different from the routine.

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