If you’ve heard “Gehraiyaan,” you already know OAFF. The Mumbai producer took Bollywood by storm in 2022, crafting that earworm of a title track that’s now crossed 250M streams. But Kabeer Kathpalia (his real name) isn’t your typical music producer. This Ahmedabad-born Mumbai-based artist studied physics and math before diving into music, and it shows – every beat feels complex, yet somehow still hits right in the feels.
His debut independent album “Between Flowers” marks a personal turning point. Released in February 2025, the nine-track album features collaborations with Sid Sriram, Divyam Sodhi, and other notable artists. OAFF crafted this album during a year of profound changes – losing two grandparents while getting married. The result is an introspective journey that combines his signature electronic sound with Indian classical and folk elements, accompanied by a 20-minute film on YouTube.
The album kicks off with “BAALMAA,” a clever fusion of Hindustani classical and modern electronic elements. Based on the traditional bandish “Lat Ulajhi” in Raga Bihag, the track tells a sweet story of a bride asking her lover to untangle her hair while her hands are adorned with mehndi. OAFF and Divyam Sodhi transform this centuries-old composition into something fresh and playful, weaving in giggles and everyday sounds.
“bageecha,” a brief 29-second interlude, features a touching Gujarati voice sample of an old lady speaking about finding joy in her garden. With gentle morning sounds and birdsong in the background, this peaceful moment serves as a perfect bridge to the album’s title track.
The title track “BETWEEN FLOWERS” sneaks up on you. The track features vocals from Amira Gill and Manreet Khara who bring in a sort of classical vibe to the track. The song builds up nicely, with powerful high notes in the second half. What is amazing is that it manages to sound both old and new at the same time.
“FOREVER” brings a contemporary edge with pulsing electronic elements. Pratika Gopinath’s vocals float over reverb-drenched production, while tabla rhythms add an unexpected twist. The track evolves from gentle beginnings into a dynamic blend of traditional and modern sounds. Though brief at two minutes, it creates an uplifting atmosphere that invites listeners to lose themselves in its layered soundscape.
“ROOTH GAYE” opens with a spoken word piece about a failing relationship. Vidhya Gopal’s melancholic Hindi vocals blend with the track’s upbeat production, creating a bittersweet contrast. The lyrics paint a picture of persistent attempts to salvage a dying connection. Despite its energetic rhythm, the song captures the essence of heartbreak and letting go.
Then there’s “KADRI” which is a slow burner. Prasant Radhakrishnan brings in Carnatic elements that OAFF complements with signature electronic style. It’s the kind of track that’ll have you staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
“you are special” serves as the album’s second interlude – a tender 48-second conversation that explores what makes relationships meaningful. It feels like overhearing a couple’s street-side chat. OAFF managed to turn a private moment into something we all can relate to.
“FALLING” showcases Sid Sriram’s distinctive vocals. The track opens with Sriram’s signature high notes, weaving English lyrics with Carnatic elements. What begins as a gentle meditation builds into an intense fusion of traditional and modern sounds. The second half explodes with energy, making it both a standout single and a natural progression within the album’s journey.
“NEU,” the album’s closing track, opens with a beautiful Hindi poetry before blossoming into a magical soundscape featuring Divyam Sodhi’s vocals. The song serves as a perfect finale, distilling the album’s essence of life’s quiet moments – from relationship epiphanies to those late-night thoughts. While the track carries a melancholic undertone, it balances energy and calm. The album avoids heavy-handed philosophy, instead focuses more on capturing authentic slices of life through thoughtful production and emotional resonance.
