Kamakshi Khanna, as we know, is an Indian pop sensation who has recently released her latest 4-track EP called ‘Heartbreak 2020’. The EP from its opening track ‘I blew it’ to its last number ‘Heartbreak 2020’ is luminescent and exuberant in the ever-evolving spectrum of the Indian indie scene. As we can see, the EP is about Kamakshi’s teenage experiences segmented into four categories. ‘I blew it’ is primarily about being nervous and awkward around your crushes. A dreamy, shimmer of joy, the EP can uplift your mood with an oxymoron of a rich voice for melody and vulnerability. The experience of listening to this work of art will be divine in relation to all the quirks of euphoria one faces as a teenager when hit by a cupid.
Coming to the second song, ‘Love is not a fucking game’, is an intimate song revolving around the strums of an acoustic guitar and piano tunes to sooth the mood for romantic reflections of your teenage days. The song also deals with betrayals and a surge of the artist to release her pain with an escape to empowerment and that which leaves you empty in its swaying. Listeners seeking solace can resonate with this EP as it is a dialogue from a heart to another. In the tapestry of sincerity and vulnerability, Kamakshi affirms strength in the helm of an emotional turmoil. All throughout, she carries a sense of disappointment but showcases fortitude in love and in retrospect.
In the song ‘tourist’, she reflects on a fleet of romantics for a passing visitor. Lyrics that say ‘you were just a tourist in my life’ can resonate with a bittersweet encounter, leaving a lasting impression for her to contemplate. The song is structured with a blend of piano and Ukelele, adding a seamless charm to her lyrical diction. The song can also be heard glinting guitar strums and melodies putting her lover in a light that she meant was for transit. While listening, an experience of solace and an elusive urge to catch a dream can be experienced.
Then, coming to the last and the final track – it is as catchy as the beats of a soulful drum that gets to reeling to the romantic fantasies against the crisis of a broken heart. The song reflects on Kamakshi’s transformation in showcasing courage and being alone but still feeling free amidst the shattering of her heart. Kamakshi is well known for showcasing the prowess of storytelling through her blissful vocals. Her ability to infuse the sounds of R&B/Soul and folk influences into pop tracks makes her eclectically a sonic delight among most indie artists. Every composition in the EP is a testament of her personal growth through the turmoil of a relationship break.
To talk of the lyrical depth in the EP, the artist has showcased raw emotions speaking of the turbulence of love waves. It may be water under the bridge for her, but as her songs are relatable to us on a personal level, we can feel the empathy that her music and lyrics have to offer.
