Following the success of the original RNT Project, SVF Music has unveiled RNT Project Chapter 2 on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s 163rd birth anniversary.
The compilation, which dropped on Tuesday on SVF Music’s YouTube channel and various audio platforms, offers a modern twist to the traditional Rabindrasangeet.
RNT Project Chapter 2 features 11 Tagore compositions recreated by music director Arindom. The project amalgamates international musical influences with Tagore’s lyrical poetry.
Rabindrasangeet exponent Jayati Chakraborty contributes a rendition of Aaj Jyotsna Raatey to the album. The song, based on Raga Bihag, included a vintage Horn Section, giving off soft rock vibes.
Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury delivers poignant renditions of Bhalobashi Bhalobashi and Chhinno Patar Shajai Toroni, each offering unique arrangements ranging from classical guitar fusion to emotive storytelling. Bhalobashi Bhalobashi is the only ballad-like arrangement in the album.
Arindom himself takes centrestage with two tracks: Anondolokey and Amar Mon Maney Na. The former is a meditative composition with influences from Chinese-Mongolian flute melodies and Tuvan vocal harmonies. Amar Mon Maney Na, on the other hand, draws inspiration from Scottish melodies, incorporating elements such as Scottish-style guitars, Kazoo, Cello, Hurdy Gurdy and Scottish flutes to evoke a rustic ambiance.
Amrita Singh, sister of Arijit Singh and a former collaborator on the RNT Project, joins forces with popular duo Tani-Muni, emerging stars from a reality music show, to lend their voices to the opening track Phooley Phooley. The song infuses the Sorani/Kurdish style instrument Qanun, played in a more Armenian manner rather than strictly Arabic, evoking a traditional sense of children learning the song from their elders in an outdoor setting.
Antaraa Bhataacharya adds her distinct sound to Momo Chittey, focusing on traditional Rabindrasangeet elements, particularly the dance-oriented style.
Shyamoshree Saha, known for captivating audiences with Palash from SVF Music, returns with Shedin Dujoney, a cinematic and experimental piece portraying a musical chase sequence between two unrelated characters amidst a heist scenario, characterised by afro bass lines, Berlin underground-style compositions and high-energy electric guitars.
The album also features folk fusion performances by Suchona Shely and Dipannita Acharya in Tumi Khushi Thako, presenting a rustic Bengal imagery with traditional instruments like the madol.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sanjeeta Bhattacharya contributes Orey Grihobashi, the sole electronic track enriched by the flavours of the dotara, sarangi, and flute, complementing Sanjeeta's commanding vocals with lively claps and joyful rhythms.
Lastly, Shirsha Chakraborty showcases her talent in Aaj Nahi Nahi Nidra, a nostalgic return to old-school rock infused with country elements and featuring a captivating lap steel solo theme.
