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Before I begin, let me warn you that this review is glowing and flattering. Not in response to monetary incentives, but because I feel that the negative reactions to the episode I’ve read thus far lack depth, pay lip service to criticism and are snarky quips to establish intellectual superiority. Such criticism might be valid in its own right, but it tells us very little about the actual music and is more a logical argument with reactive judgements rather than an alignment of emotive responses with intellectual input. Which is why I wanted to pen how these songs made me feel, so that I could tease out the craft behind them. So if someone feels the need to criticise my views, they ought to resort to considering the music first, and hopefully that would create a more meaningful, rounded discussion.
The sound of this song is clean and fresh, akin to crisp mornings atop mountains (surly Karachites are deprived of this morning feeling). The phrase ‘jamais vu’ kept creeping up and jabbing at my linear sense of time, during this song, because Bilal Khan sounds like a younger reincarnate of the Vital Signs in our now, with a similar use of lyrics profound in their simplicity. As a first track it was well-placed, because it doesn’t set a tone for anything in specific per se as it is a precursor – the morning drift of hovering around your body before a bout of thoughts seat your personality within its defines once more. To Kia Hua effortlessly conjures mature mournful clouds, with perchance the silver lining of hope.
Faraz Anwar represents a fixed set of components our ears are attuned to – his lyrics, composition, tone, virtuosity is within a certain set of parameters, a set base line or common denominator: formulaic. What Rohail seemingly does here is keep that base line which most songs/singers like Faraz represent, but brings in different moods to each component, breaking down the song and rearranging it as a procession of different moods.
It reminded me of an opera, and that may sound like a square peg, round-hole situation at first, but I maintain that there is an analogy to be drawn here. There are two main parts to an opera: a ‘recitative’ part which moves the plot forward, mimicking inflections of speech in order to emphasise them, and an ‘aria’ which is more faithful to a host of characters singing within a certain melody structure to express themselves. In this song, Faraz’s lyrics and his spells of music are within the ‘recitative’ part, where the song moves forward and therefore on their own – monotonous and done to death stylistically. However, when the chorus and the second vocalist come in and the music provides that topographical relief, it serves the purpose the ‘aria’ does in that the underlying emotions are brought out. But since this is Coke Studio, and its Sufi-inspired fusion, the ‘aria’ comes in the form of ecstatic repetitions, which are the hallmark climax of a Sufi song.
Danha pe Danha – Akhtar Chanal Zahri and Komal Rizvi
Akhtar Chanal Zehri establishes his effortless regality through song – as if it were a lion’s roar personified. He demarcates his sense of self clearly and without the hesitation, of our prevalent identity crises. Listening to his voice feels like a habitual chocolate consumer trying gurr for the first time; there is no processed sweetness to be had, its sweetness instead is ripe and replete with flavour. And when his spoken word resonates at the end, it leaves you rooted – embedded by the daanas of sand now plastered collectively as mud and floored in an awe of identity visceral and soondhi.
As for Komal, when she chose to take on Lal Meri during the BTS I felt a frisson of apprehension run through me like panic. I was worried that something so long held sacred by me was going to be cruelly mocked by someone who didn’t “have the right” to vocalize and utter it. But Komal comes into her own, her fluidity betraying the fun she is having. You can hear the smile in her voice and in the end she rapidly takes on (at least) three distinct notes that highlighted a range and flexibility to her voice which humbled me.
Light, fluffy, digestible (made more so because of the backing vocals angelic, ‘ray of lights’ surr) yet repetitively tiresome, the way you feel when you have to pick coriander leaves off their stalks one by one. But heck, this is Jal doing what Jal does and they stuck to their element like the Urdu proverb about how the snake begets the serpentine. It wasn’t memorable, but it wasn’t terrible either, and the segue into Thaiyya Thaiyya and then Dam Mast was a good bit of fun – much like a tribute to those who have come before. I guess every singer’s dream is to bless their vocal cords with the phonation of Dam Mast Qalander.
But Jal should consider singing with the Zoe and Rachel Viccaji because their voices make the song flow, saving it. As always these girls are the unsung heroes – the glue bringing every song together by adapting to each song’s style and singer’s personality. They add a value that cannot easily be measured or understood because it is taken for granted, yet one without which we would be all the poorer.
Sighra Aaween Sawal Yaar – Sanam Marvi
I had tried to figure out why people had such a negative reaction to Sanam Marvi from last year, especially because I was oft left struggling foolishly after speaking up for her last year. Perhaps it was because to appreciate her would be to spite our cynicism. She’s a veritable giant in terms of her naked devotion, yet humble and not someone who can be easily pigeon-holed. So she is ignored because if you can’t figure someone out, you would rather pretend they don’t exist so you can avoid feeling out of your own depth around them.
But good as she was last year, this time was when Coke Studio finally, really sunk their teeth into her sound as well. The entire song keeps hovering around a precipice, repeatedly threatening to jump in, but never doing so. You keep circling around and Marvi doesn’t pull you in, and yet doesn’t let you push away either, leaving you frustrated and unsure of whether you felt hot or cold and as if you’ve been deprived of an imminent climax. Perhaps it is because the format lacks the polytonality that the rest bask in – for the music and lyrics were strung, beaded alongside within their own space and time.
I don’t want to tempt fate with a premature proclamation about how excellent the next few episodes would be. But I feel confident that like these songs, they will challenge our musical barriers, they will be crafted with meticulous care and mayhem, and they will continue to make us proud of being Pakistanis.
What’s the difference between a waitress and a doctor? Safieh Shah is finding out.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
Oh my God your blog/article is spot onn! You decribed exactlyyyyyyyyyyyy how I felt when I found out that anyone for that matter was singing lal meri pat. In my head I was just like oh shit oh shit. But Komal did much better than I expected! But sadly due to my exams thats the only one I heard. I shall get back to you on the rest. Congrats on the multiple talents!
However good or bad the episode was the writer does not seem to know much about music apart from "crisp mountain mornings" and "lions' roars". Coke studio seems to have this effect of making people experts on things like the 'beautiful fusion of east and west' and 'wonderfully brilliant soundscapes of sufism in pakistan' and 'the feeling of ……….
Coke Studio is a commercial T.V show and the public's (subjective) opinion is all that really matters when looking at which songs were good or bad. Personally I thought the episode was alright. I even liked Jal. However, Komal Rizvi was badly out of key and Mizraab (even with Faraaz Anwar's awesome guitar skills) was repetitive and boring.
@Emad. Thank you for your views. I find it interesting how you have taken metaphors I have used, to judge my grasp and understanding of music, although you contradict this later by saying that the public's subjective opinion is all that matters. If you believe this to be so, then why is my supposedly musically, ill-informed subjective opinion incorrect? As per your definitions, it is mine own right is it not?
You use the word 'subjective' and yes, subjectivity is vital to highlight the vast responses and give colours to viewpoints. However to be subjective without any real understanding, or reasoning (objectivitiy) is useless as well. If everyone is extremely subjective without ascribing to a logic which other humans can understand, then we might as well lop off our brain (reasoning) and join the ranks of animals.
As for my knowledge of music for which you have cited poor examples to highlight your grievances. If you read the article again, you will see that for each song, I have individually broken down components and systematically explained each. I wonder who/what in your eyes makes a 'valid expert' on music? Instead of letting the writing/work speak for itself, would you rather that I pull rank on you and speak about my musical qualifications/background which will only then prove to you that I am indeed qualified to express my views?
By labelling Coke Studio as (solely and wholly) commercial, I feel sad as you are missing out on something truly fabulous which has the ability to capture your senses, challenge your sensibilities and enrich your very essence as a Pakistani. For that you have my condolences.
My only (minor) quibble is that I would have preferred each performance to be within 5 minutes at most. But yes, all in all, the first episode was excellent. Komal and Channal were outstanding together. Sanam Marvi, another Abida Perveen in the making, was stunning. Mizarab, Jal and especially Bilal were all good as well.
Hi Zubash. I think the reason they are longer than 5 minutes is to challenge the audience (Sa'amaeen) as well, because eastern music has always been very long. So it may seem irksome and take some getting used to, but trust me, if you listen to the music on your headphones on a long journey, you will appreciate the long format. Glad you enjoyed the episode as much as I did though! Thanks for your comment.
Drum Kits changed now and the sound is changed . the essence of previous seasons was gumby drums . and in this season we r gonna miss the real gumby .:(
gumby is still there buddy and at his best
what a beautiful and impressive analysis.i love coke studio
i was disappointed with the episode, but you are right by saying that we as a nation expect too much, putting unnecessary pressure and here i m guilty as charged. its entertainment not india vs pakistan cricket match. i m glad i read your article, it really highlighted the best moments of the show and gave the cynics like me a much needed dose of optimism for the next episode. keep writing. cheerios
p.s. i agree with umair, word "medley" was the one that came to my mind on the first listen to jal's performance, but antakhshari suits better here
Dear Amena. Thank you for keeping an open mind. not simply because it means you agree with me (although that is nice) but because someone like you who approaches things with an open mind and heart and has the courage to admit it, are a scarce resource in our country.
I agree with you… Coke Studio disappoints. Komal did not do even an average job with Laal Meri Put. Sanam is such a fine artist but she could not do justice either. Rohail Hyatt seemed pretty drag. It is disappointing when music does not touch soul…
At last! Something that my country (men/women) can make me proud of. I had enough from these bomb blasts and terrorist activities…..time to relax and enjoy!
Felt nice to read yet found it difficult to understand that why BLOGGERS use such heavy words to lift the spirit of the blog. Komal did an excellent job and that "Masttttt" and "Haqqq" echoed in my ears for a couple of hours. Bilal as usual did what he do best: Cease the moment with an excellent ability to facilitate the fate of a song. Jal was pretty much average. Sanam Marvi was awesome because last time, Rohail didn't get the best out of her. Faraz is one of the best in terms of composing and giving soul to what he sings. Expecting more music boundaries broken during this season. Finally, I had something to cherish upon!!!!
The fact that someone had to write an article and defend each and every song shows that at least episode 1 failed to impress. Good music does not need to be intellectualized…or defended and you don't need to have an intelligent conversation about it…I mean we are talking about music here and not the theory of relativity…you either feel it or you don't…coke studio is a brilliant concept and the show has produced some wonderful songs but I mean when you "komal rizvi" on a show…you need to realize that your ship is sinking.
You all are just talking about Komal and Jal.. WHat are Your thoughts upon Mizrab and Sanam Marvi..?? It was Another Great EpisOde to set the tone of Season 4..
Coke Studio is marvelous. They enabled my two sons, who were born and brought abroad, to discover their roots. After listening to Sanam Marvi and Aref LOhar/ Meesha Shafi they no longer ask me who we are.
Nice one.
I look forward to a Pakistan where the biggest news was the new season of coke studio, so excited people like you do not feel out of place. and every other daana can admire every other daana.
WoW, I think no body could have better explained coke studio then Safieh Shah, excellent, nothing more.
I think Coke Studio is evolving over time. Pakistan should be proud of it. CS is in Season 4 now. We in India are pretty much excited to have our Coke Studio with Season 1 beginning 17th June. Having followed the original Coke Studio Pakistan, i have very high expectations from the India version too!!!! CokStud rocks!!!
I personally don't understand the criticism. Overall, first episode was awesome. This is the thing about coke studio. The songs slowly grow over you. However jal was a bit disappointing. I was expecting better.
Thank you all, for taking time out to comment. Even newspaper blogs should be interactive and a discussion forum of sorts.
@Umair yes, as a people we are intense with very high standards which we often set for our own
I laughed heartily at your antakshari/dholki take on the Jal song, which was spot-on and to be fair that isn't very displeasing if you are away from home and crave the sound of such merriment which was afore taken for granted – but that being said I am glad you are speaking about the music intelligently and even my qualms of "unconventional" "non-serious" and "out of place" are fast becoming outdated. If the Sufi kalaam is made so sacred that it starts collecting dust on a shelf then it loses its value – context of this and now is what can keep love, life and religion alive. If we can't relate and bring it into our reality now, it will forever be lost as obscure out of date secularities. I am glad you too are looking forward to the other episodes.
"NOTE TO ALL READERS: Please click on the links in the heading to hear each song. It helps if you are listening to it while reading the review.
well akhtar zehri was really wonderful along with komal, she roared bcz its the requirement of the song….. grt job and grt fusion
I believe Coke Studio is now experience enough to deal with western music as well and find some kinda fusion with them. I would love to see some one covering Wish You were here by Pink Floyd in the show. Will make my day for sure and yeah Jal's sound don't have tthe strength and depth of a qawwali so they should refrain from it.
I have never felt so moved by Sanam Marvi's song as I did with this latest one. She is, or I should say, the divine within her, is shining through.
Awesome analysis!
i didnt know people had bad things to say about the episode!!!! i completely agree about komal rizvi i was super cynical about here inclusion into coke studio and she really showed she deserved to be there!!!
no doubt komal rizvi (unexpectedly) did an awesome job… her pronunciation of every word was very clear … clearer than akhtar zahri!
i hope rohail hyatt gives a chance to shazia khushk and fariha pervez in this season…. they have been contributing to the music for so many years… regardless wat critics or 'cool' people say about them…
if komal can … then they can sound amazing too in the studio…
Agreed with most of what you've written. A few points which I'd like to add are:
The thing that I hold dear is the note. When they go off note, its unforgivable. So there was only one point where Bilal Khan went off note (sur se bahir), which makes you grind your teeth. But other than that, the song has quite the feeling you talk of.
Jals song was fine uptil the point of Tere Ishq Nachaya. There after it became antakshri. I know this sounds ordinary, theres no technical or aesthetic criticism here, but crude as it may be, I think the work, despite all attempts at diversity and fusion should hold together. And it shouldn't take the girls to cement these elements. It really did sound like your having an antakshri at someones dholki.
Komal Rizvi was great, she didn't go off note at any point. As you note correctly she did betray the fun she was having. Especially at the beginning. And so I just thought that was a little too much fun. A more serious tone could've given greater grace to the performance. Especially when your alongside Akhtar Chanal Zahri. The way Misha Shafi went along with Arif Lohar. Though in that one Arif was the one betraying the fun which I guess he was having because of Misha being there.
One more thing, I think sufi kalam is being overdone generally. Jals song was so fine with that special Jal-esque teenage love and crush stuff, there really was no place for Hiko wird hai Dam Dam Ali Ali.
Rest is all awesome! Eagerly awaiting the second episode where Farid Ayaz will rock us to the core!
Cool analysis
The more songs Pakistani musicians come out with, the more they sound the same. It sounds so 90's. How many versions of Danah Pe Danah and Mast Qalandar does one have to listen to?
Akhtar Chanal was the highlight of this episode.
Finally someone who did justice to the episode, and no try to be the latest addition to the long line of pseudo-intellectuals who consider it cool to shoot down the episode while, on the contrary, we keep seeing the youtube views climbing up like no tomorrow.
The difference is a life saving cup of tea ?
kudos on the article !