Phosphenes release symbolic video for Eklai Huda Ta Jhan

By Mannu Shahi

Phosphenes is a popular group from the vibrant underground Indie scene flourishing in the opulent gatherings of the Kathmandu-high. With a few line-up changes the band continues to make music with three stagnant founding members with much love from their devoted pack of fans and followers. 

The group started its creative journey in 2016 and have managed to sustain producing time relevant content through the years.

With high regards for simplicity in music, this collective of musicians firmly believe in the bonding they form with their audience via their euphonious aural experiences. 

They released their debut four track EP, “Know This Time” in February 2018 and their full-length album “Sullen Days” in July 2021 on all major platforms. The band has also collaborated on audio production, mix and master duties for the tracks in the LP with sonic wizards like the US based Nepali musician Diwas Gurung and Kathmandu based multimedia artist Rohit Shakya. 

Comprising of Abhishekh Pokhrel on vocals and guitars, Prajwal Aryal on vocals and guitars, Aman Karna on guitar and synths, the recent addition to the group is Nirita Yakthumba on vocals and bass. Originally also seen as a quartet, the founding fourth pillar for the group was a western classical piano disciple Supriya Moktan on vocals and keys, who parted ways in 2019 due to her personal reasons. And in between, the group was seen associated with other members while they still continue to feature additional musicians during special occasions and large venue concerts.

And the recent video release of their second Nepali single off their LP is creating a buzz amidst their followers. The video is #18 on trending for music for Nepal moderated Youtube broadcast and continues to garner positive response even within artistic and musical collectives. Sajjan Raj Vaidya, VEK, Sisan Baniya, Shrinkhala Khatiwada, Diwas Gurung, Phatcowlee, BT Kancha are the famous official accounts that can be spotted in the comment section of the video showering love to the band and the visual artists involved. 

Written and composed by Phosphenes, ‘Eklai Huda Ta Jhan’ features Diwas Gurung on audio production and Parcha Production on video duties. Directed by Nawal S Rai, the actors are Srijana Regmi, Noeyra Limbu, Shyam Khadka, Arhant Gurung, Barsha Thakali, Sweta Limbu, Pabina Lawati, Ranju Dhakal, Mina Dhakal, Chandra Kala Yadav and the three founding member from the band. On DOP are Pranai Manandhar and Jholey; screenplay by Nawal S Rai and Elope Dhowj Gurung; Shyam Khadka, Nissim Gorkhali, Mahesh Magar, Sabal Thapa on production team; Sweta Limbu, Numa Lawati, Valinda Rai, Zeeya Limbu on style; Pabina Lawati on hair; Kriti Joshi on make-up; Jholey, Jenish Maharjan, Nawal S Rai on post-production; Indra Shrestha, Santosh Thapa, Sundar Shrestha as gaffers; Nagesh Kandel on VFX and Bivas Rai on storyboard. 

The dream pop anthem brimming with despairing gloomy vibes tethered along to the metaphorical visualization does indeed create a thought provoking realisation to the average Nepali consumer who isn’t as accustomed to visual experiments and symbolic messaging as such. Kudos to the entire team for manifesting this celebratory piece of art and best wishes for their future endeavours.