Releasing off the heels of their collaborative 2024 album ‘Haal-e-dil’ the duo have opted for a more simple approach, while still preserving their Indian classical tendencies. The EP highlights their ability to write music that embodies simplicity with effective production. Featuring a cinematic palette that is reminiscent of early 2010s Bollywood, Divyam Sodhi and Khwaab have struck a nimble balance between pop value and paying homage to their roots.
Singer-songwriters have always pursued simplicity, often stripping their songs of unnecessary complications and presenting ideas as close to their moment of inception. The duo also uphold this philosophy to a great extent on their new EP and further understand the importance of draping their songs in the right fabric to accentuate the mood these songs aim to create. Divyam Sodhi’s writing along with his melodic construction is also quite detailed highlighting his ability to merge Hindustani classical technique with pop songwriting. At the outset the EP is very simple but not simplistic. In it’s own way the songs have been treated just right to emphasise the singers story telling. Any more and it would’ve ended up distorting the purity of the duos ideas.
‘Accha Lagta Hai’ opens the 4 track EP, with a pacy and active waltz rhythm. The guitars play a very functional role and present the sections of the song succinctly. The instrumentation, instead of coming in the way of the song, as mentioned above, accentuates Sodhi’s story telling. The core of the songwriting is also relatively simple, moving between a verse and chorus in the vocals adn dedicated guitar melodies for the same, clearly defining the differences in each section. The song is warm and has a very visual quality to it.
‘Kasie Ho Tum’ embodies warmth, opening with a mellow guitar line. In the same sonic space as the first, the song prioritises simplicity above anything else. This is reflected in the choice of instruments and come to think of it also in the vocals. All 4 of the songs, feature just Sodhi’s vocals in the spotlight. It’s also worth mentioning Sodhi’s vocabulary is rich as he is able to communicate his feelings with a certain amount of complexity. Even the topics for each song, though not new, are presented from a very singular perspective. It’s genuinely exciting to see that the words and melodies have not been diluted for the sake of popularity.
‘Kya Kahein’ brings a noticeable emotional shift in the EP. The songs preceding this capture hope but this song chooses hinge more towards tension. Presented in the signature style that Khwaab has designed for the EP, the song talks about the fading linger of love’s scent. In terms of design the EP successfully communicates the spark and longing of love in the songs before this. The writing avoids over explaining this emotion and allows teh audience to have their own interpretation of these words. But the innocence is palpable. At this stage I felt I haven’t given Khwaab enough credit for his production. Instead of populating the songs with too many ideas, Khwaab has chosen a more minimal approach. There is enough space in all the songs for the listener to interact with them musically. Khwaab, more importantly understands Sodhi’s style of vocalising and songwriting and is able to execute his ideas to fruition.
‘Raat’ marks the end of the EP and decidedly the saddest song of the lot. It also features a slightly more experimental production approach, using synthetic ear candy to open the song. The vocal performance is also my favourite in teh EP with Sodhi hinging more towards his classical roots. This is not to say that he doesn’t bring the same technical approach to his other songs. In fact Sodhi’s vocals are a breath of fresh air, breaking away from the breathy singer songwriter that has dominated the genre since the past few years. The transition, emotionally from the first song to the last is palpable and while the sadness isn’t abject it’s definitely an EP for romantics.
‘Ehsaas’ is a great EP. Is it new and innovative, i don’ think so. But, it showcases what’s possible if simple songs that are objectively good can be executed well. ANd not just well but executed to the degree the song deserves be that complex or stripped down. Through their last two offerings the duo have been working towards crafting their own universe which is cinematic, visual but also just cooked right. It doesn’t beckon the need for excessive and obtuse production, a trait that is very prevalent in today’s music. The songwriting and vocal performances sound honest and are presented as such. I hope more singer-songwriters take note that simply recording with a guitar and singing breathy doesn’t make you one. That even a simple EP of 4 songs requires consideration and a thoughtful process to execute them to a level where they deserve to be heard. Eager for more.
Listen to ‘Ehsaas’ on Spotify & Apple Music
