Music Review: Iraivi (Tamil)

Composer(s): Santhosh Narayanan
Listen to the songs online here: Saavn

Onnu Rendu, in S. J. Suryah's coarse scratchy rendition, opts for a retro-like drunken singing style that's also aptly casual and free-flowing. Santhosh Narayanan himself sings the interestingly arranged romantic gaana Kadhal Kappal, and the wedding-themed Solla Thudikudhu Manasu, with lyrics stringed together from several Tamil film titles, carries a very Ilaiyaraaja'esque sound before transforming into a full-blown kuthu. Dhushta, as in 'the enemy', is creepy and electric, fuelled further by Santhosh's bewitching arrangements, while Andony Dasan's heartfelt vocals take centrestage in the minimal and mesmerising Othaiyila. It's as if he is singing somewhere outside, with the occasional bird chirps and all, except for a persistent mechanical percussion sound that pulses all through the song. Manidhi is perhaps the most musically accessible of the lot, featuring the composer's signature sounds to deliver a rousing woman empowerment anthem. An experimental, off-piste soundtrack from Santhosh Narayanan, Iraivi is well-worth a listen!