Vishal Bhardwaj has come up with unusual title Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola The great combo of Vishal with lyrics by Gulzar have done wonders in Maachis, Omkara.
The album opens with the title song Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. However unusual the title may seem the song is fun to listen too. Sukhwinder Singh strong and remarkable voice blends with the music and accompanied by Ranjit Barot they make a superb combination. The song is energetic having the folk feel.
An interesting collage of instruments accompanied by Sukhwinder Singh's is extremely remarkable and strong vocals turns out to be a perfect blend that is a treat for listeners - all of this makes the title track Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola special. It has African touch to it with the humming of the guitar in the background and the bass effect it makes one of the most energetic songs to listen to.
Next comes Khamakha rendered by Vishal himself. A soft breezy number accompanied by a chorus. Prem Dehati's unusual poetic narration leaves quite a mark. It's a soulful number which is a delight to listen to.
The next track is Oye Boy Charlie sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, Shankar Mahadevan and Mohit Chauhan. The song has a 70's feel to it and is a Qawali' number . It is accompanied by the harmonium and tabla blended with the other musical arrangements. It's a fun number and Rekha's voices dominates the song completely.
Lootnewala begins with a lot of drum beats and has a very rustic feel to it. Sung by Sukhwinder and Master Salaeem. It is an energetic song that brings forth the injustice that the farmers face today. It speaks about oppression and Sukhwinder's voice brings for the anger and oppression out very forcefully. Gulzar's lyrics will definitely create a stir with the audience.
The track has a 'reprise version' of a relatively shorter duration but does not seek much attention. The next song Shara-Rara-Ra song begins with beats of the brass band and has a very folk touch to it. It's an experiment by Vishal and enjoyable as the music is loud and Prem Dehati has done full justice to it. The lyrics also give it a very rustic feel. An enjoyable number.
Badal Uthiya a solo track by Rekha Bhardwaj. This one is a melodious Haryanvi with a lot of sitar strums and accompanied with other instruments. It's an old popular folk number from Haryana which has been blended well by Vishal Bhardwaj. It grows on you. It also has a reprise version by Prem Dehati. But Rekha's voice literally touches your heart.
Pankaj Kapur and Imran Khan come together in a very short Haryanvi track Chaar Dina Ki which again has Prem Dehati chipping in. Chor Police is also a short track with a lot of energetic beats
Rounding of the album is Nomvula, with a lot of African beats. A complete Zulu number, in Umoja's voice. It has a peppy dance feel to it. Overall a nice album.