When Rahman came out with new sounds in Roja, almost a decade ago, it caught everyone by surprise. Now creating the same feel is debutant G V Prakash Kumar, (Rahman's nephew). His maiden album Veyyil proves that he is the man to watch in the time to come.
Coming up with half-a-dozen songs which are different to each other, Prakash's mix of Indian and western percussions in a couple of songs are indeed innovative and impressive.
No doubt that there are enough expectations on the album since Prakash is Rahman's nephew. But the young boy has lived up to all the expectations.
He has used penny whistle, bamboo flute, dilruba and sarod. The quality of the sound strikes the listeners. A touch of class is visible in every song. A welcome addition to the rich musical tradition is Prakash
Veyyilodu Vilayadi (Kailash Kher, Jassie Gift, Thippu, Prasanna Rao)
How many of us enjoy hot sun? The song penned by Na Muthukumar is about a group of children in a remote village, who enjoy the bright sunshine. If the lyrics are very catchy, so is the tune. Jassie Gift makes an energetic beginning backed up by a good harmony. The way Prakash handles the percussion instruments would sure mesmerize the listeners.
The music composer has ensured that the brisk pace, at which the song began, is maintained all through. With Kailash Kher and Prasanna Rao giving perfect company to Jassie, the song has come out well and is sure to become popular.
Uruguthae (Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal)
If Prakash has proved in his earlier number that he can rock the listeners, his next endorses his ability for soft melodies. A vibrant Shankar Mahadevan settles down for a melody in the company of a flawless Shreya Ghoshal. The end product is amazing for Prakash has followed a perfect pattern and lets the vocals dominate the music. The song blows like a gentle cool breeze on a stuffy evening.
Ooran Thottathil (Sreeram, Nagesh)
Quite different from the earlier numbers, this song has energy, grace and charm, all combined in one. Not just the catchy lyrics, but the good use of percussion instruments specially the dholaks and tablas makes one to sit up and listen, Begins quite like Rahman's Azhagana Ratchasiyae. But goes the different way in the middle. It is red-hot chilli stuff (going peppy and foot-tapping). One wonders the energy of the 18-year-old Prakash in coming with such banging numbers.
Kadhal Nerupin Nadanam (Karthik, Nideesh, Chinmayi)
A romantic number but set to tune differently from the contemporary duets. Begins with an Arabian vocal by Nideesh and proceeds to go the mellifluous and soothing way, thanks to the heart-rending chorus.
The use of acoustic guitar coupled with additional percussions by Prakash provides new sounds. Sure to floor the romantic couples, Prakash changes tracks in the middle only to arrive at where he began. Karthik renders it quite gracefully. Chinmayi is saver very brisk and full of practised nuance.
Sethavadam (Manickam Vinayakam)
It is a philosophical number penned by a debutant lyricist Ekadesi. Dwells on a man's life before and after his death. With his open voice, Manickam Vinayakam does justice to the number touching the high pitch with ease. Prakash has used mild instruments which create a feel of sorrow and loneliness.
Iraivanai (Prashandhini)
A slow pathos. With no instruments accompanying it, the song has a touching tune rendered in the soft voice of Prashanthini.
Prakash has announced his arrival quite emp