Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 2: Sajjad Ali, Kirkir Kirkir
ALRIGHT! Yet ANOTHER disclaimer before you read the following entry. I had started writing this review on two previous occasions, only to have it erased by some computer malfunction. I was so excited to write about my feelings, yet it was hard to rewrite my words after the first erasure. You could imagine my frustrations after the second time I had my writings deleted which, ultimately, led to the delay of all the reviews of the entire episode. SO, I finally decided I had to ignore this one and write about the other songs, to get me back in the groove. Now that I’ve taken a stab at Lala and Kaavish, I am ready again, for the third time, to write about Sajjad Ali’s Coke Studio debut!
Now, I absolutely love Sajjad Ali. Since the day Coke Studio was announced, I have had him at or near the top of my dream team lineup. His songs evoke a strong nostalgia in me, from the Chief Saab to Babia, Mahiwaal, Paaniyon Mein, Teri Yaad, and Kuch Nahin. All these songs hold a special place in my past, and are woven into the fabric of my memories. You could imagine my absolute joy at hearing his voice in the Coke Studio promo, but what the heck was he singing? Didn’t remind me of anything I have ever heard him do, either lyrically or style-wise. I didn’t know how this was gonna turn out, as I hesitantly waited for the song to arrive.
And the moment came. Kirkir Kirkir.. interesting. Solo vocals, followed closely by a galloping beat. A goofy grin breaks out on my face. A HOEDOWN!! YEEEHAWWW!!! What a catchy, footstomping tune, an amazing amazing surprise :D Seriously, if you are physically capable of either tapping your foot, nodding your head, or smiling and you aren’t doing either of them, there’s something wrong with you. Go get yourself checked out by a psychiatrist. Seriously. One thing that really impressed me was the house band’s performance on this track. It highlights their diversity and versatility as they take on a very uncommon meter and rhythm but execute it flawlessly. Real musicianship on display on this track, well done to the whole team! Such a fun song, glad he chose a song like this to break out on Coke Studio. I think the last time they had a song with this much lightheartedness in it was Zeb and Haniya’s “Chup” from season 2.
Although again, I didn’t understand much of it (I really need to learn Punjabi), I loved the way the words flowed and they seemed to be very personal, as he mentions himself in it. It felt like a gift to all his fans who have stuck by his side all these years, and that’s the way i’ll take it :) Looking forward to seeing him perform one of his classics now. Listen below, and swing yer partner round and round!
Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 2: Kaavish, Nindiya Re
On to Kaavish! Now, this band has truly played with my emotions over the years. I went from crazed fan, to frustrated follower, to indifferent individual. With their appearance on Coke Studio Season 4, the frustrations have returned. How long ago did I hear Bachpan, probably in my own bachpan! Years went by without a debut album, as fans had to wait endlessly for a studio release. By the time Gunkali was launched, I have to admit I had lost all interest in what they had to show the world, and I still haven’t heard the album.
There’s the background of my relationship with the band. With an appearance in Coke Studio, I was obligated to listen to what they had to offer, so I put my feelings aside and hit play. My eyes feel heavy as I close them and let the vocal stylings of Jaffer Zaidi hush my frustrations. His deep, sleepy delivery manages to maintain technical prowess, as he takes us on a gliding trip under the midnight moon. Asad Ahmed is given another opportunity to show his bluesy chops. Absolutely loving the tone, it invokes feelings of Clapton and John Mayer, thanks Rohail for adding that bit in! Really hoping Omran gets a solo or two this season :) Rachel and Zoe are spot on as usual, I have to say I am enjoying their backup deliveries more than previous seasons’ ladies. Kudos to Coke Studio for introducing some new blood in the house band :) Oh, and a XYLOPHONE!! I hope they keep that thing on set as well, truly adds a freshness to the songs similar to what the cello’s did for Mizraab’s “Kuch Hai”.
All in all, a very suble, moving track that stays true to Kaavish’s style. Well, at least the Kaavish I knew before I grew impatient with the album wait. Perhaps it’s time to go grab a copy of Gunkali :)
Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 2: Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, Ni Oothaan Waale
We make our way to Ataullah Khan Esakhelvi, performing Ni Oothaan Waale in episode 2 of Coke Studio Season 4. Another act I had no previous knowledge of. Starts off with a conventional background to the folk vocals, and swells into a hip, upbeat number. Absolutely loving Asad’s guitar effect, one of the things I never understood about Coke Studio is why they kept the guitarists on such a tight leash, so it’s good to see a little electric flavour. Ataullah, affectionately known as Lala, has a really heartfelt delivery, and all language barriers come tumbling down as he progresses through the song. Really wish I knew what he was saying in the monologue, let me know if you know!
All in all, Coke Studio finds a way to maintain its freshness and relevance in its attempt to fuse folk/classical with western/contemporary, and the great thing is even Lala enjoys the houseband’s offering, as it is apparent in his body language. Goes to show that great music truly is boundless. Looking forward to more material by him, in this season and beyond :)
Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 1: Sanam Marvi, Sighra Aaween Saanwal Yaar
Well, we finally reach the last review for Coke Studio Season 4, Episode 1. Studio Sophomore Sanam Marvi closes out the performances with “Sighra Aaween Saanwal Yaar”. A ten and a half minute mammoth. The track starts off with poetry that is familiar to Coke Studio followers. I love the way the music creeps into the background slowly, allowing Marvi’s voice to take center stage right from the start. Although I don’t understand all the words she speaks and sings, her passion is undeniable. Marvi closes any gaps between the lyrics and her emotion, as the words become hers and hers alone.
As Omran leads the transition around the 7 minute mark, I am astounded that 7 minutes have already passed. As the song draws to a close, we are reminded of Rachel and Zoe, which makes me wish they had more harmonies earlier on in the song. How awesome would it be to hear three female vocals layering and weaving through eachother? I think it would’ve been a fun experiment. Regardless, this song was a true success, Sanam Marvi’s return is indeed a welcomed addition to this season. Not to take away from her talent in any way, but I feel the biggest gain out of having an artist like Sanam Marvi featured on the CS platform is the fact that Pakistan and the world is getting a glimpse of a young woman (I have no idea how old she is, but I’m willing to bet she’s younger than Abida Parveen) who is a classically trained vocalist. I have not heard of many women who have taken this road and raised their level of skill to a national level. Sanam Marvi is slowly but surely becoming a household name, and it’s important to maintain some of that classic culture as we move through the modern world. In times where we have fallen in love with soft, jazzy style of Zeb and Haniya, Natasha Ejaz, Maryam Khizilbash and Zoe Viccaji, it is equally important for us to appreciate all forms of music for the sake of artistic diversity, which is exactly what Sanam Marvi brings to the table. Kudos to Rohail for bringing her on board for Season 4!
Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 1: Akhtar Chanal Zahri & Komal Rizvi, Daanah Pah Daanah
Well, here’s a track that a lot of my friends were interested in, as it is an older tune, but I had no idea existed. Another song review without preconceived notions on how it should be :P and no prior knowledge of the artists, NOW we’re getting into unbiased territory! Heheh, anywho, from the setup it seemed the Coke Studio team was looking to extend the success they achieved from the electric chemistry of Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi from Season 3. It’s hard not to make that parallel on the surface, but as the song starts, I realize I am mistaken.
The speaking monologue at the start really pulled me out of whatever frame of mind I was in and dropped me on a dirt road in rural Pakistan. Akhtar Chanal Zahri actually reminds me of the work Saieen Zahoor did. Not sure how similar they actually are when you drill down to the details, but it felt like they have some common threads. Komal Rizvi enters with confidence, nails the chorus with an energetic delivery. I have heard her name in the past, but can’t recall hearing anything by her yet. Her voice supports Zahri’s quite well, the overall sound is quite pleasing and makes for a great chill track. I like the rhythm of the song as well; both singers did a great job in enhancing by bringing their characters into the performance. Really enjoyed Komal’s dynamic style, especially at the 3 minute mark when she says “Jeeeee-o” and steps away from the mic. Made me smile at how much she and Akhtar Chanal Zahri were enjoying the performance :)
The second part of the song steps back to the tried and tested ‘laal meri patt’, or whatever its official title is. Here, Komal gets a chance to put her talent on display, as Zahri slides into the supporting role. She belts out the lyrics with emotion, and the house band is completely enthralled in the classic track. The beat switches to funk quite abruptly, which kind of caught me off-guard. Little time is given to dwell on it however, as Zoe and Rachel Viccaji put the finishing touches on the contemporary soundscape, for Zahri to bring it home. If you heard the first 30 seconds of this track and the last 30 seconds, you would never guess they were from the same song. Somewhere in between, Coke Studio managed to sew a folksy tune that traveled the country side, met a classic along the way, and ended up in the city.
By the end of the track, I kind of feel happy that they added this ending, as it really completed the fusion CS tries to achieve with its songs. Akhtar Chanal Zahri’s voice fits right in with the Superstition-ish groove, and completes the fusion experiment. As Coke Studio seems to feature completely new artists each episode this time around, we may not get to see these two singers work together again, so perhaps it was best to throw it all in one track. Overall, a great track that may not have been anticipated as highly as some of the other performances, but perhaps used that to its advantage. Full of life, experimentation, and talent. Great work Coke Studio!
Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 1: Mizraab, Kuch Hai
One word: EPIC. Apart from Bilal Khan, I was anticipating Mizraab’s performance just as much. This time, the performance went beyond my expectations. Everyone knows of Faraz Anwar’s reputation of melting faces with his hot solos, and his ability to create acoustic anthems like “Kitni Sadiiyaan”. When I first heard of Mizraab’s inclusion into Coke Studio this season, I had hoped they would do “Ujhaalon Mein”, as it seemed like one of those songs that would work in a lounge setting. Once Kuch Hai was announced, I was curious to hear what they’d do with their slot. I hadn’t heard this song previously, so came into it without any preconceptions on what it “should” sound like.
The song starts off with an ominous gait, highlighted by the vocal stylings of Mannan, a great complimentary addition to Faraz and the Viccaji’s. This is as ominous as Coke Studio gets. And what’s that? CELLO?? Finally. A string section that sounds complete, and just in time for the perfect song. The orchestral sound that comes with the added instruments really pushes to a lofty perch, where it surveys the soundscape created by Faraz and company. From this vantage point, the song changes ‘acts’ and settles into a nest of contemplation. Leaving ominous behind, The vocals and lyric structure bends creative norms that Pakistani’s just don’t get exposed to in their music industry. Refreshing, to say the least.
As the song kicks into the chorus, I can’t help but think this track would make a great James Bond theme. Might be the strings. The other weird thing that enters my mind is how much it reminds me of Japanese arena rock, with the vocal style and melody structure. Just like that, the piece transitions into the ominous groove as Faraz takes control with an acoustic solo. Beautiful, something very few Pakistani’s are capable of composing and executing. The past five minutes seemed timeless, as the song takes another turn, a light interlude before jumping into the chorus. Wonderful transition, as Faraz pushes his voice to its limits, faltering once but coming off as a character move rather than a miscalculation. The song transitions yet again into the ominous groove (I don’t know what else to call it, clearly). Faraz throws in another solo, this time harmonizing with his own voice. So awesome.. Mannan, with the help of Rachel and Zoe, brings the song full circle as it ends in a swirl of mystic defiance.
REPLAY!
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!
Review: Coke Studio Season 4 Episode 1: Bilal Khan, To Kia Hua
ALRIGHT, let’s get crackin’. I’ll be posting some of my opinions on each of the songs in a separate post so as to keep my thoughts organized and not to overwhelm me. I will do my utmost best to judge the music without any personal feelings for the artists to interfere. So Coke Studio Season 4 kicks off with a performance by Bilal Khan of Bachana fame. I am a huge fan of his, and was anticipating this performance the most.
Perhaps this anticipation raised my expectations too high, but this version just didn’t do it for me. Now, there are two kinds of people who experienced this song and came away with two different impressions. The first is people who make it a daily duty to listen to the acoustic version of this song. Coke Studio departed from that vision in a couple of important places. The second type of person is the one experiencing this song for the first time, who hasn’t really paid attention to the acoustic version so they don’t really have anything else to compare it with. This is the generalization I’ve come to from talking to my friends and music fans.
Now, what was so different? I’m not really sure if it’s one or two things, but you pick up on it right at the start. Could it be the echo effect on Bilal’s voice? Could it be the background music is too…subdued? The muted chords really shape the live version, and give the vocals more power in my opinion. The flow of the chorus in CS seems to push forward, then hold back. Almost a pulsing feel created by the bass line, while the live version keeps that consistent rhythm. As the song comes to the bridge, it feels like another anti-climactic moment. Something’s definitely not working for me, although the Viccaji’s really shone bright. It’s too..atmospheric, like a fog has rolled in and you’re hearing a lost “haara nahin huun mein” coming from the haze. In the acoustic version, this is where the guitar really takes off and powers through the rhythms. It’s defiant, and plows through with a reassuring “haara nahin huun mein”.
As much as I love CS and BK (Burger King and Bilal Khan, they’re both pretty awesome), I have to say I found the song didn’t meet my expectations, and I feel most of it has to do with the way the music was arranged. It’s funny how a song with multiple vocalists, instrumentalists, and state of the art equipment doesn’t end up matching the feel of an acoustic guitar in an empty room. That’s the beauty of music. I hope I didn’t come off as too negative, because this episode hasn’t decreased my optimism and excitement for the release of Umeed, Bilal Khan’s first album. I can’t wait to hear the studio version of To Kya Hua and compare it with the two versions we already have :)
