Guitarists, rejoice! Chirag Todi, the virtuoso from Ahmedabad, is here to show the world that the guitar still reigns supreme in the era of electronic beats and synth-heavy tracks. With a glittering resume that includes accolades like the NEXA Music Award and a nod from the Recording Academy, Todi has created his niche in the music scene. And now, with his debut album, Bangers Only, he’s set to dazzle us with his six-string wizardry and genre-spanning chops.
From the moment you hit play, Bangers Only grabs you with its vibrant energy blending genres like jazz, blues funk, neo-soul, hip-hop and Hindustani classical. The album kicks off with “Spiced Lemonade,” a zesty pop concoction featuring Dot. that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. This track is all about basking in the present, enjoying the sweet, effortless moments of a relationship. It’s like sipping a cool drink on a sunlit porch—simple and satisfying. Au contraire, “Love Nobody” where Todi teams up with Ramya Pothuri and RANJ is a funky, introspective jam about moving on from a relationship that’s more about heartache than harmony. Here, Todi’s guitar riff weaves through the song’s groove like a thread of continuity, while RANJ’s rap adds a dynamic edge that cuts through the emotional turbulence.
Then comes “Cross The Line,” where Todi ventures into a playful modern dating narrative. Featuring Chezin and robust production chops from Divyang Arora, this track feels like a spontaneous adventure. The accompanying music video, filmed in vibrant Vietnam, adds a visual flair that mirrors the song’s theme of crossing borders and breaking mental barriers. Todi’s Tamil pop-funk gem, “Ooty Dreams,” with MS Krsna, takes a nostalgic trip back to boarding school days. It’s a bittersweet exploration of whether infatuation will blossom into true love, set against a backdrop of infectious rhythms and soulful melodies.
With “Walking On a Minefield,” Todi steps into the spotlight as a vocalist for the first time. The track, inspired by John Mayer, delves into the emotional spirals accompanying betrayal from people once called “friends”.”Saaya” offers a jazz-infused exploration of struggling to move on from a past love. Featuring Meera Desai and the soulful production of Raag Sethi, the track is a smooth, reflective journey through the pain of lost affection and the quest for closure.
In “Paper Boats,” Todi collaborates with the soul-pop duo Gouri and Aksha for a jazz-pop track that radiates nostalgia and zest. The accompanying video, with its origami motif, brings a playful and calming visual element that enhances the song’s charm. “Yearning” is a bluesy modern classic, blending jazz and pop influences. With Anubha Kaul’s evocative vocals and Raag Sethi’s masterful production, it’s a dynamic ode to chasing dreams against the odds.
Finally, “Jag Jaage” and “Crafted Lies” showcase Todi’s range and creativity. The Hindustani fusion of “Jag Jaage” highlights a soulful awakening, while “Crafted Lies” dives into the gritty struggle between truth and deceit with a powerful rock edge, featuring Siddharth Basrur’s commanding vocals.
Bangers Only is a celebration of musical diversity and personal growth. Chirag Todi’s ability to blend genres, collaborate with an array of artists, and push his creative boundaries makes this debut a thrilling ride from start to finish. It’s an illuminating showcase of what happens when guitar-driven music meets modern innovation, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
