Album Review: Not By Chance By Ap Dhillon, Gurrinder Gill and Money Musik

Ap Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill have taken the music scene by storm with their gorgeous voices and a knack for singing the catchiest hooks. Their single ‘Brown Munde’ is a major hit thanks to Tik Tok and other platforms which turned it into a world-wide phenomenon. Cashing in on the publicity received by this they decided to drop an EP at the right time. With 7 songs and a runtime of just around 20 mins, ‘Not By Chance’ showcases them as proper musicians and not just a one hit wonder. With production from Money Musik, the Toronto based producer, ‘Not By Chance’ has a consistent production that is mainly influenced by mainstream trap sounds. It’s AP Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill who steal the show on this project. There is no doubt that these guys are brilliant singers and are arguably one of the best duos coming up in the industry. There sound balances the line between modern and traditional with the production being very new age and futuristic while the vocals throw it back to old-school Punjabi singing.

Here are my favorites from this project: • Fate: Fate talks about heartbreak and Ap Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill have mastered the art of singing about a broken heart. Shinda Kahlon, the featured artist on this cut, gives out a hard-hitting verse too. The production by Money Musik follows the trap formula, hard 808’s and booming bass. This is the perfect way of traditional and modern coming together. • Takeover: Takeover is a track that’s bragging and boasting about lavish lifestyle that these guys live. The production features sinister bells that go perfect with the lyrics of this cut. Ap Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill give each other space to shine individual which makes their alliance even better. The featured artist, AR Paisley, packs a punch with his contribution to this song. • Chances: the most chill track on this EP, Chances flows smoothly throughout its runtime. The bass drops at the perfect time while the snares are just hypnotic on that loopy flute in the background. On this production, AP Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill glide taking turns at killing their verses. They are two heartbroken boys who’ve found melody in their respective sorrows. • Saada Pyaar: this song sees AP Dhillon going solo and the chemistry that he and Money Musik share is incredible. The song starts off with AP singing to a guitar strumming in the background which follows the bass and the hi-hats. One of the deepest cuts on this record, Saada Pyaar is another heartbreak tale that about an unfulfilled love/relationship. • Foreigns: Foreigns is an ode to super cars, the pair of Bentley and Porsche, Ford Mustang Cobra and a Red Colour Ferrari. Both AP Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill love their cars and don’t mind splurging on them. While the singers are killing it the producer doesn’t stay far behind. Money Musik uses piano and drums to craft this beat with rattling hi-hats that go hard. • Goat: the closer to this short EP is a banger. Giving a proof of why this trio works so well together, ‘Goat’ is another example of their overall chemistry together. Both AP Dhillon and Gurrinder Gill display flamboyance and swagger with their verses while Money Musik takes the cake with a triumphant beat. Naming a track ‘Goat’ takes some guts and these dudes are full of it.

AP Dhillon is at the helm of every aspect of this album as he’s mixed and mastered the songs along with lending his vocals to the tracks. ‘Not By Chance’, as the name suggests, proves that ‘Brown Munde’ was not just an overnight internet sensation. The duo has the ability to deliver consistent project and have an unwavering commitment towards their music. Money Musik’s production gives the project a powerful platform which is elevated by the vocalist. These guys have the abilities to take the world with the kind of music they are making. It’s catchy, emotional and stays true to the punjabi essence even after incorporating modern sounds. This is where modern and traditional find a perfect balance. Here is a link to the album.