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MUSIC BOX
Slow and sweet
The ban imposed on the Indian satellite channels has proved to be an opportunity for the local satellite channels to establish themselves. This holds true of the local music industry also. New artists are popping up on the local scene regularly — the result, competition is tougher and better. Huma Khawaja is the latest talent to find her way through. Her debut album, Laaj is already managing airtime on the idiot-box. It is an assortment of pop, bhangra and love songs.
Dil yaar sajan da kick-starts the lineup. The traditional dholki-tabla sound builds well around the bass and electric guitars with, the keyboards merging in. Sarangi plays a major role in the title track Laaj. The song, though slow, manages to capture the essence of love with remarkable effect. The western styled Chori Chori fails to make an impact on the young listeners. Kho Gaye is a relatively slow song with a sweet rhythm that is soothing. Dil ki Lagi is a dedication to pop icon, Nazia Hasan. While hearing it one feels that it’s Nazia who is singing the song. The bass and acoustic guitars fuse well in the song.
Side B kicks off with Yeh Zindagi; yet another slow song! It’s here that one starts to get a bit irritated over the number of ‘slow and sweet’ songs. The album clearly mentioned that the selection had pop numbers, but unfortunately somebody forgot to remind the singer. More matching guitars and sentiments in Aie Meri Arzoo and Aao na tum follow. Both are sad singles and offer condolences to the love-stricken of today. Kaisa Ahsaas is subtle jazz, while we feel a touch of Arabic in Ay Sarapa! These light tracks will make an evening brighter. The album’s last track, Dil Hai Deewana is where Huma returns with her bhangra touch. Some action at last!
Laaj is a fairly good release. Not one song is out of synch or rhythm. And though Huma might have been looking for the actual party album, she ends up with a family one. Assisting her in her quest is Amir Zaki with his bass riffs. —Khurrum Anis
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