Varnam Audio Review

While trying to listen to muthirai songs, i came across this good album by isaac thomas(Thoovanam composer) who makes an impression with his unique orchestration. It seems to be a situation driven album with additional instrumental pieces.

Vaanam Muzhuvadum Megam

A wonderful fusion of percussions makes for a unique background rhythm throughout this song which seems to be a lively folk number. The intelligent guitar usage coming in parts of the ludes are a delight. But the tune seems to be melody driven and might prove to be abit anti-climatic for the common listener. Bound to pick up after repeated playbacks.

7/10

Veerapandi Boomi Ithu

The percussions galore continue here as well with a naatupura paatu style but fortunately does not go loud on our ears. Simplistic number uplifted by the vocals and the lyrics. Here you can see Isaac's unique stamp of carrying the melody through the background rhythms without diluting the genre it is based on. But like the above number it will take time to pick up.

7/10

Kannamoochi Aatam Nadukkum

A Pathos number which actually starts off uniquely but turns into a clone of various pathos songs before. But for the minimal instrumentation,the vocals and the ARR style that can be heard distinctly throughout the tune, this song does not exactly strike hearts.

5/10


Muniya

A short and brisky dramatic number with inspired thavil and urumi mellam touches is matched by a tune fused with the angst of the vocals and sprinkles of violins. But the tune goes through many changes that it somehow catches onto you.

7/10

Kadhal Vandhaal

A trademark Isaac melody laced with a unique percussion rhythm and neat usage of synth to package the number. The modulations of the singers and the hummable tune make for a great listen.

8/10

Dangaa Dungaa

A fun koothu number orchestrated wonderfully with the shenoy adding to the charm. The tune being broken into parts after each shenoy driven interlude makes for a interesting listen.

7/10

New Life theme

A theme which slowly gathers pace intending the moods with the usage of flute being very pleasant on the ears. Fantastic to listen as a melody.

8/10

The Clash theme

The tension is built on ascendingly with predictable touches of the urumi and thunderous percussion. But the flute that comes in the middle and follows through with the former piece is the otherwise saving grace for this track.

6/10

First Love

A breezy melody reminiscent of IR's orchestration albeit distinctly grows onto you as you listen. The theme is a concoction of themes based on the main melody(there are abrupt breaks) which sort of shows the composer's understanding of the situation. The ending piece which is dominated by the guitar draws your attention.

8/10

The Chase

The theme looks straight out of a video game(beyond good and evil for a reference) soundtrack with the synth dominance and new age like sounds. But for the casually weaved orchestration this theme is quite weird.

6/10

Dangaa Dungaa(Instrumental)

The instrumental version of the original song sounds even better without vocals. It makes for a great dance number and certainly very catchy.

8/10


Overall a album which showcases Isaac's orchestration prowess and his usage of melody even within folkish numbers but tends to go predictable and abit too monotonous for the liking. Certainly to be cherished for the percussion magic here.