Music Review: 96 (Tamil)
Composer(s): Govind Vasantha
Listen to the songs online here: Saavn
Govind Menon, violinist and Thaikkudam Bridge frontman, made a low-key debut in Kollywood with Asuravadham a couple of months ago, but in 96, he takes it a notch higher, crafting impeccable melodies that are both refreshing and soul-stirring. Anthaathi (and Kaathalae Kaathalae, appearing in two versions) is an unalloyed delight, riding on a rich tapestry of strings and mesmerising rendition by Chinmayi Sripaada, Bhadra Rajin, Kalyani Menon and the composer himself. The Life of Ram is as much Pradeep Kumar's show as it's of Menon's layered guitar-laden orchestration, while singers Gowri TP and Chinmayi make for superb choices in the haunting acoustic pieces Yean and Vasantha Kaalangal. Thaabangale more than once slides to Santhosh Narayanan territory, but captivating it is all the same, backed by Pradeep Kumar and Chinmayi on the vocals. The duo sing Iravingu Theevai too, another deeply affecting Ilaiyaraaja'esque composition bedecked by a perfect sprinkle of tender guitar riffs, soft percussion and veena (Rajesh Vaidya). The fact that the songs operate in the same sonic space and sound too similar to each other (not sure if it was intentional) is a bit of a dampener, but 96 easily qualifies as one of the best soundtracks this year.
Listen to the songs online here: Saavn
Govind Menon, violinist and Thaikkudam Bridge frontman, made a low-key debut in Kollywood with Asuravadham a couple of months ago, but in 96, he takes it a notch higher, crafting impeccable melodies that are both refreshing and soul-stirring. Anthaathi (and Kaathalae Kaathalae, appearing in two versions) is an unalloyed delight, riding on a rich tapestry of strings and mesmerising rendition by Chinmayi Sripaada, Bhadra Rajin, Kalyani Menon and the composer himself. The Life of Ram is as much Pradeep Kumar's show as it's of Menon's layered guitar-laden orchestration, while singers Gowri TP and Chinmayi make for superb choices in the haunting acoustic pieces Yean and Vasantha Kaalangal. Thaabangale more than once slides to Santhosh Narayanan territory, but captivating it is all the same, backed by Pradeep Kumar and Chinmayi on the vocals. The duo sing Iravingu Theevai too, another deeply affecting Ilaiyaraaja'esque composition bedecked by a perfect sprinkle of tender guitar riffs, soft percussion and veena (Rajesh Vaidya). The fact that the songs operate in the same sonic space and sound too similar to each other (not sure if it was intentional) is a bit of a dampener, but 96 easily qualifies as one of the best soundtracks this year.
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