Pavithra Srinivasan reviews the Tamil music album, Veppam. Post YOUR reviews here!
Gautam Vasudev Menon is certainly the man these days. Having delivered a romantic hit and earned the tag of being "the next Mani Ratnam," he's decided to follow in director Shankar's footsteps, this time he's launched his own production house, Photon Kathaas, and followed it up with his home production, Veppam (Heat). The film is being helmed by his assistant, Anjana Ali Khan, and stars Nani (of Telugu's Ashta Chemma fame) Karthik and Bindhu Madhavi. It sees Joshua Sridhar back at the helm of music, with lyricist Na Muthukumar penning the lyrics. Naturally, anticipation is high. Here's a look at what the album has to offer. Oru Devadhai begins on a typically romantic note, with a shower of guitar notes and a western twang, like something out of a Westlife album. Clinton takes charge of the vocals with a faint western accent as well, while Shweta pitches in with soothing accompaniment. This is the kind of song that would find plenty of appeal, perhaps, with someone who's already deeply in love. There's mild angst and a touch of ominous sorrow as Mazhai Varum begins, in Suzanne's competent voice, tinged with a western accent. There's an unexpected violin segment that's a breath of fresh air; here's where you spot the Joshua Sridhar of Kaadhal, who brought such feeling to his first film's compositions. The male version, sung by Naresh, follows the same route, unfailingly gentle. This number isn't new, by any means but there's a simplicity in its execution that's attractive. A melodious song. With a burst of synchronised music and Benny's accented words begins Minnala, a number that's a milder, toned down version of a pep song. The effort loses pace at times, as it veers between church choir-esque music and rural beats. With its familiar beats and music, this one has a mild appeal. Like droplets of water splashing begins Kaatril Eeram, a gentle, soothing melody rendered by Karthik and Sricharan. The interlude sort of reminds you of early A R Rahman compositions. The lyrics too, are strictly functional. The end, in a small flurry of guitar notes is a small solace. It's sweet, but nothing special.
Raani Naan almost begins like the title credits of the nineties hit series, Doogie Howser, MD before abruptly transforming itself into a kuthu number, and Apoorva performs competently, her deep voice wending its way through semi-erotic lyrics. Nothing to write home about.
Josh and Naresh blast through with thundering rhythms for the theme music of Veppam, and the very manner in which they sprinkle the word, defining it, as it were, adds the dash the music needs.
Listening to the album as a whole, you'll have to admit that while the songs aren't terrible, they never do rise to any sort of musical brilliance. This one's no Kaadhal. Aside from Mazhai Varum, which is soothing and satisfying, Joshua Sridhar plays it safe; the other songs simply conform to set patterns.
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Pavithra Srinivasan reviews the Tamil music album, Veppam. Post YOUR reviews here! 