Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 1: Jal, Ik Aarzu
Let’s get one thing out of the way first. I don’t consider myself a Jal fan anymore. I was perfectly happy that the first three seasons of Coke Studio stayed away from them. There was a time when I enjoyed their work, but lately I get an arrogant vibe from Goher and Farhan. This isn’t the time to discuss however, but I felt it necessary for the reader to have knowledge of my feelings for them to understand my review a bit better.
Now, the song starts, and I forget all about the negative thoughts I had of these guys. Farhan seems completely comfortable with his surroundings and sings with confidence. Goher has thankfully taken off his jacket (pictured above), and provides a nice aesthetic balance in the duo’s look. Great work by the house band in supporting Farhan’s vocals as they soar to great heights! Tere Ishq Nachaaya slides in with craft, as the pace gallops along, spearheaded by Farhan’s alaaps, interlaced with the Viccaji’s angelic harmonies. What an achievement!
And then, the song gallops into a brick wall. Mast Qalandar? Really? Here is where Jal appears to have bitten off more than they can chew. Why would they choose to cover a NFAK song ESPECIALLY when Farhan can’t even hit the highest notes and reverts to a lower octave? The performance had been flawless up to the 5 minute mark. Why didn’t they end it there? If they wanted to spice it up and add something new, that’s what Tere Ishq achieved! This was one of the most frustrating Coke Studio tracks I’ve heard yet, simply because it seemed to abandon the listener. Whatever they were trying to do, did not translate with me at all.
The first five minutes were undeniable talent, and I scramble for the stop button as soon as the second half starts. Jal, I don’t know what to think of you. Hope to hear more of the Ik Aarzu groove in the future!
