Music Review: Ethir Neechal

Nijamellam Maranthu Pochu is heavily processed and reminiscent of Kaho Na Kaho (Murder) but that doesn't take away the addictive quality of the hip-hop track. Partly on the lines of Kolaveri, Boomi Enna Suthudhe, again in Anirudh's vocals, makes for an enjoyable listen. The groovy title song is insanely catchy, while Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal are very apt for the soft romantic ballad Velicha Poove Va, its Kan Pesum Varthaigal (7/G Rainbow Colony, Yuvan Shankar Raja) influences notwithstanding. Un paarvayil is over before you realize but the mix of flutes, strings and heady beats is sure interesting. The album gets a fitting finale in Local Boys, a pucca kuthu number that sees Dhanush and Velmurugan making their presence felt with a zippy rendition. Ethir Neechal lives up to Anirudh's sensational debut and is a smartly packaged commercial soundtrack. Pump up the volume and hit the dance floor I say!

Update: A new theme song Rise Against the Tide (check it out here) brings out a softer side to the title song but goes dubstep towards the end; wish the blend was a little smooth!

First published: Dec 15, 2012