Krishna Roychowdhury, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya and others
Sagarika; Rs 40

The catch is definitely the mayor, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, reciting verses from Sunil Gangopadhyay’s creations. For those who have seen Bhattacharya previously alongside Ajit Panja in Nati Binodini, it was clear that he had artistic inclinations and quite some talent as an actor. In Manusher Janyo, he puts in a presentable performance along with Krishna Roychowdhury, Jagannath Basu, Ranjan Bandopadhyay, Tapan Bhattacharya, Priyalal and Saikat Roychowdhury, and Souryadeep Sarkar.

O mon
Rupankar
Sagarika; Rs 40

It’s neither folk nor Bangla band nor even the age-old Adhunik. The album is a hotch-potch of all. However, if anyone is interested in listening to Bhatiali in a modern jazz rhythm, you can go for this collection. With both lyrics and music difficult to digest, singers Rupankar or Sampa Kundu have little to contribute.

Saheli Mitra

Sondori
Kamola Madol
Asha Audio; CD, Rs 100

It is ironical that as Gen X/Y/Z rushes headlong to be hipper by the second, an inevitable concomitant of the process is the mass appeal of folk and rustic songs. Sondori Komola is the latest offering. It is a worthwhile experiment, especially for an all-‘girl’ band in Bengal. The songs are appealing due to the use of the rustic language and traditional music. Some of them get repetitive, though. The music is enchanting and the singers carry the notes eloquently. Typical village themes are dealt with. A commendable endeavour to keep traditional tunes alive.

Shubhobroto Ghosh