Given how Bollywood has taken to releasing film soundtracks in the form of singles these days, it was quite surprising to see Qaidi Band ’s complete music come out in one go. It was launched just a couple of hours after the first song’s video came online. Despite being a YRF product, the film hasn’t generated much buzz, possibly on account of its newbie cast. However, Qaidi Band does have a bunch of experienced hands on the musical front, led by National Film Award-winning composer Amit Trivedi, who last worked with director Habib Faisal on Ishaqzaade (2012).
To start off, ‘ Poshampa’ is reminiscent of ‘ Ji Karda ’ from Singh is Kinng (2012) perhaps it’s a Punjabi folk template. It soon goes its own way soon after and Trivedi’s arrangement ensures the track is winner with its nostalgic 80s sound. Arijit Singh, who lends his voice to the track matches its liveliness, cleverly modifies his voice to sound similar to Trivedi’s confusing listeners (me included). Then there’s Yashita Sharma (an oft-collaborator of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy) who’s just as wonderful as Singh. In ‘P hir Wohi ’, the composer revisits the combination of marching band style percussion with a melancholic tune (last heard in 2013’s Lootera song ‘ Ankahee ’). In the YRF film, though Trivedi leans on the percussion heavily and Sharma’s vocals enhance the effect. It’s commendable how the composer and lyricist (Kausar Munir) manage to give the same tune an upbeat makeover in ‘ Phir Nayi ’ with Sharma again on vocals. But this arrangement features the santoor and flute to great effect.
Invoking patriotic fervour is ‘I am India’, an incredibly foot-tapping track that sports Trivedi’s trademark touches of a heavy bass line and substantial use of the harmonium. Singh and Sharma deliver the lyrics in style. And Singh replaces the composer on the ‘Escape’ version of the song that does feature a few tweaks in arrangement that do nothing to diminish its energy levels.
Two of the soundtrack’s most intense songs also bring out the best vocal performances from Singh and Sharma. While ‘ Hulchul ’ has a regular but heady rock-flavoured arrangement, ‘ Junooni ’ has is akin to an anthem with its generous violin and flute elements. ‘ Jag Mag ’ doesn’t always work, primarily because of Peter Muxka Manuel’s weak rap, but it’s engaging nonetheless. Last but not least and certainly most enjoyable is the boisterous ‘ Udan Choo ’ with fantastic vocals from Singh and Sharma. As an added bonus the flute makes its sublime presence felt amidst the finely realised rock arrangement. Amit Trivedi starts his year late, but it’s in style.
Vipin Nair writes about music on MusicAloud.com and curates music on Apple Music as MusicAloud
