Pop sensation Zoe Viccaji takes us down melancholy lane with her latest single Phir Milli Tanhai, part of her debut album Dareeche, which is scheduled to release on September 1.

The video has been directed by Adnan Malik — who previously also directed Viccaji’s first commercial single Mera Bichra Yar — while the music production, arrangement and recording has been done by Shahi Hasan at Indus World Music Studio.

A still from the music video.

In an earlier interview, Viccaji had stated that Phir Milli Tanhai was one of the very first songs she had ever written, inspired by a real relationship.

Unfortunately, for the large part, the song’s melody is cliché and quite a letdown given how the singer has matured in terms of her vocals.

Looking back at Ishq Kinara which she sang as a featured artist on Coke Studio Season 6, I find none of that depth and versatility in Phir Milli Tanhai. Even earlier songs like Yeh dil kyun mera from Josh and Jo chaho were more appealing to yours truly than her latest release.

The song also feels overproduced and quite removed from the song’s essence. I could see myself enjoying this song better as a simpler acoustic number, more organic, and without the effects on Viccaji’s voice.

A still from the music video.

The video, however, is captivating and well directed, capturing Viccaji going through a range of emotions and experiences. From being a vivacious girl who is madly in love, she gradually realises that her relationship is falling apart and struggles to come to terms with it. The visuals are crisp, compelling and engaging.

There is no doubt that Viccaji can act — she has previously featured in musical plays such as Chicago and Mama Mia — which may have served to cement her great on-screen presence. She looks like a million bucks in the video!

So will Phir Milli Tanhai secure a spot on my iPod play list? Maybe for a few weeks, but not more.