On his latest EP, Foenix a.k.a. Rohit Mukherjee polishes his already established disco sound fused with retro Indian aesthetics. He’s also made use of some stronger collaborations with artists such as HUKUM., Swara & Sunflower Tape Machine to showcase a variety in this sonic space. While already known for his retro palette, this EP is his most well rounded offering in this style. The production is crispier and the songwriting is classy rather than just simply being nostalgic. Clocking in under just 13 minutes, the 5 track EP feels pretty dense and is diverse enough to keep you hooked.
The EP opens with the title intro ‘Pallonji Express’ which features a carefree vocal hook that carries the composition. The track serves as an introduction to the backdrop above which this EP is situated. The progression of the song is like a montage sequence introducing different elements of Foenix’s instrumentation and production including his recognisable cinematic strings. It’s a trailer setting the listener up for what’s about to come. Following this is ‘Jaa Palat’, the first single to drop from the EP featuring Ranchi based producer and rapper HUKUM.. Remaining consistent with his overarching ‘retro bolly meets modern production’ Foenix uses a menacing horn sound which is straight out of an Indian crime drama. HUKUM’s raw and fiery delivery also adds to the urgency in addition to maintaining the pace of the EP. The vibe of the song also signifies a slight shift in Foenix’s general aesthetic, delving into a meaner vocal presence while still remaining peppy. Production wise it’s also fresh to see Foenix dipping his hands into more unfamiliar genres and making it his own woth his signature use of sounds.
‘Coca Cola’ featuring both Sunflower Tape Machine and Swara, on vocals is a four to the floor banger. Swara’s delivery on the both verses is brisk and delicate while her phrasing ensures that there are no empty pockets. Following a traditional verse pre chorus and then chorus structure the song, in terms of songwriting, maintains it’s pop image and also ensures constant gratification as the hooks keep coming. Sunflower Tape Machine makes the chorus sunny with his alt pop perspective. I particularly enjoy the fluidity with which Swara phases between Hindi and English, making it totally unforced. Also the vocal treatment for both Swara and Sunflower Tape Machine gives KAYTRANADA. Of the lot this song features the best collaboration as the tones of both the artists perfectly compliments Foenix’s aesthetic and vision for his music.
‘Take my Body’ featuring Aarya on vocals is the slow jam on the EP that channels the vocalists juvenile nature. It definitely feels like a drift away from the overarching theme of the EP and while it’s a nice break in the track list, it doesn’t possess the same recall value as that of the other songs on the EP. Aarya’s vocal performance is passionate, front and center but lyrically not as fleshed out as one would come to expect from the EP. Having said that the song definitely does it job by providing a respite in the context of this group of songs. The production though detailed and busy also compliments this and maintains a chill atmosphere.
The last track on the EP is ‘Disco Talkies’ features Tshering Bhutia on vocals. Bhutia’s dreamy vocal texture and soft tone blends perfectly with Foenix’s production. The writing is spaced out and each line takes its time to create impact on the listener. The production is rightfully very disco and Foenix does a very good job of recreating the memory of an era with his modern spin on it. The song at the outset is very straightforward in terms of structure but, the execution is what makes this song one of my favourite tracks on the EP – the other one being ‘Coca Cola’. The bass lines are popping out and they keep you glued to the song. Tsering’s performance is also just right, maintaining a nonchalance and not overperforming even though she had plenty of room to showcase her chops. Foenix also showcases his arsenal disco sonics and allows them to carry the memory of the bright genre of music. This is a great send off to the EP.
‘Pallonji Express’ is a solid EP and more importantly a major step up for Foenix as a producer and songwriter. Everything about this EP speaks of his growth. The meaningful and selective choice of collaborations adds to the richness of the EP both tonally and on the songwriting front. I see a lot of artists try to make a statement even though their music isn’t all that and I certainly don’t think this is a statement either – I think the EP is aware of that. But, this EP is undeniably fun, has great recall value, singable and memorable and sometimes that’s exactly what we want. Can’t wait for more ‘chika chika’.
Listen to ‘Pallonji Express’ on Spotify and Apple Music
