November 22, 2003

They came, they saw and they conquered. AaroH’s maiden album Sawaal not only takes them to the top of the pop but also makes its entry as one of the few ‘perfect’ maiden albums because of the presence of all genres of music from hard rock to eastern classical.

Sawaal kicks off with the title track, which features Nabeel and Khalid’s skill with the guitar, Farooq’s industrious vocals and Kamran’s brilliant work with the keyboard. Farooq’s diligent vocals return in Aik Din only to remind one of the Music-Channel-Chart-days when every Tom, Dick and Harry was coming up with a music video. I found Dunya and Aankhen average and my opinion would have deteriorated had it not been for Jalan, the song that changed my viewpoint for good.

The number has brilliant guitarwork, catchy-but-childish lyrics and professional vocals amalgamated into one to give you a fast-paced song destined to allure you for sometime. Nabeel’s brilliance with guitars combines with the rest of AaroH’s good work in Aankhen and Dil Ki Baaton. The latter is more of a crowd-puller and shows the intensity with which AaroH can perform. Written by Nadeem Asad, the song features the group’s skill with the guitar in years while the best thing about it is that it begins and commences in a similar fashion. Aag, AaroH’s all-time hit, makes its presence felt with dusky composition and imaginative lyrics.

Jeeyay -- AaroH’s very own national song is extremely catchy. Farooq brings all his classical training into play in Jeeyay and impresses a lot along with his fellow members Kamran, Nabeel and Khalid. The flute here leaves a lasting impression while the guitars take you along well throughout the song. AaroH’s lead single, Vital Signs’ Ajnabee, is also good and must have made Vital Signs proud. But the best has been kept for last. Na Kaho, which in my opinion is the most melodious and rhythmic song of the album. Farooq’s rendition of Nadeem Asad’s lyrics overshadows the hard-work by the rest of the musicians.

Overall, Sawaal is a must buy, without a chance of regression.

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