Renowned for his eclectic fusion of cinematic sounds, alternative rock, indie pop, and electronic music, Ashish Zachariah continues to redefine musical boundaries with his debut album, “dastaan’.” A classically trained pianist who’s spent over a decade delving into film and media composition, Zachariah’s vibrant array of influences—ranging from hip hop to Indian folk—culminate in this soulful alt-rock collection. Already acclaimed for tracks like “Woh Saat Din” and “Ghulaam,” boasting millions of streams, Zachariah’s latest venture promises to captivate listeners anew. Following a Filmfare nomination for his score on “School of Lies,” “dastaan'” is a testament to his innovation and artistry—a new milestone in a trailblazing career. Get ready to experience an auditory journey unlike any other.
The debut album “dastaan” spans 8 tracks revolving around life’s journey. The album opens with “fursat,” featuring the evocative vocals of Aditi Raj. This track immerses you with its rich soundscape seamlessly woven with electronic components and subtle reverb. The lyrics delve into the heart’s deepest yearnings, setting a compelling tone for the EP. At just two minutes, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into Ashish’s masterful composition, promising an extraordinary musical journey ahead.
The second track, “safar,” showcases an array of unique sounds and melodies, featuring a collaboration with Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Raghav Meattle. This mellow track evokes a feeling akin to a gentle breeze, steering listeners towards embracing the journey of life fully. The lyrics are incredibly poetic, supported by a slow-burn acoustic arrangement with hushed tones and remarkable clarity. “safar” culminates in a striking finish, leaving listeners deeply immersed in its soothing, reflective ambiance.
The third track, ‘intezaar hai,’ is where the album truly lifts off, featuring Aditi Raj’s captivating vocals over Ashish’s signature ambient soundscapes. The song begins subtly, gradually evolving into a self-empowering anthem. Layers of drums and a commanding bass build the tension, showcasing the remarkable interplay of diverse instruments and sounds. The lyrics resonate deeply, offering an inspiring message. The song reaches its peak in the second half, unveiling a grandiose arrangement that elevates the mood. This track is perfect for times when you’re feeling low, providing a stirring sense of uplift and motivation.
‘shor hai,’ opens with an acoustic guitar and a reflective melody. This piece features both Raghav Meattle and Aditi Raj, whose vocals seamlessly blend with Ashish Zachariah’s experimental and innovative soundscapes. The lyrics resonate with artists, offering a sense of solace and inspiration. The continuous guitar strumming weaves beautifully with the diverse melodies, creating a captivating sonic experience. In the track’s second half, the music evolves into a more progressive rock atmosphere, enhancing its cinematic appeal.
The fifth track, ‘beqarari,’ opens with a lo-fi mood, gradually showcasing Ashish’s signature style as it evolves. You’ll experience both the buildup and softness of this track. Ashish masterfully crafts cinematic soundscapes that could easily serve as film scores. There’s a thrilling quality to the song, along with an extended rhythm that captivates listeners, keeping them hooked from start to finish.
The sixth track, “bheed,” features Sidharth Sudheer and a groovy vibe. With immersive beats and profound vocals reflecting life’s deeper meanings, it’s a delight if you are listening on headphones. The lo-fi essence coupled with Sudheer’s compelling performance makes it stand out. “dheemi” follows, with Ashish’s iconic acoustic picking taking center stage. The track gently unfurls like a soothing breeze, portraying solitude before escalating into a prog-rock marvel. Bringing back melodies and instrumentation from earlier tracks, Ashish showcases his genius in this debut album.
The concluding track “ishq baaqi,” featuring artist Shor, delves into themes of past relationships and faded muses. Ashish’s experimental touch shines through with unique reverbing sounds that captivate you right to the end. This track, with its film-score-like ambiance and deliberate yet compelling pace, wraps up the eight-track album masterfully. The haunting, cinematic quality of “ishq baaqi” leaves a lasting impact, solidifying Ashish’s debut in the indie music scene. It’s clear there’s much more to come from this talented artist.
