There aren’t many pop-rock acts who can manage to stay afloat without an album release in almost half a decade. Josh wins in that category. Having started off in 2002 with the album, Main Hoon Tanha, the band went on to release super-hits Kabhi (2004) and Mausam (2006).

Now, Qurram (Q) and Rupinder (Rup), who call themselves an Asian band, are set to release their fourth studio release, Beyond Kismat, early next week.

There are many interesting facts related to it. First, the album will be released without a record label, making it the first such Asian album. Second, they have chosen Pakistan as the venue for the launch.

Images on Sunday caught up with the Josh boys for an exclusive sneak preview of Beyond Kismat which consists of nine tracks produced by Josh under the banner of Josh Entertainment.

“It’s a simple philosophy. We blame everything on luck (kismat). We want people to think beyond it. One makes his own luck by hard work and dedication,” says Q.

About the basic feel of the album, Josh say, “We can’t really pin down the genre of the album, it’s more like a mixed bag with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. From the latest trends in music to old school, we’ve incorporated almost everything in it.

Overall, the feel is pumpy, contemporary and soothing.”

The album starts off with the thrilling Pyar Hogaya with its catchy beat and chorus gelled with the duo’s perfect chemistry on vocals. Achi Ajeeb Ho Tum is playful with an infectious beat — it’s different and unique, and that’s what Josh is known for. Zara Zara has Rup singing about his lady love in a sultry voice and the track may well be remembered best for its contagious chorus.

Any Josh album is incomplete without catering to bhangra-loving fans. The band that gave us Baan Farkay, Teri Masti and Josh Naal now offer Hun Ta Main Nachna and O’ Kuriye. While the former has some rap element, the latter catches one’s attention courtesy Rup’s powerful, bhangra-centric vocals.

Another classic Punjabi number, Jo Kahega Dil, also stands out with the famous “brrrrrrrrrrrrah” alongside the dhol and tumbi. Keeping up with the tradition of an immaculate cover track like the one in Mausam, Josh ends the album with a cover of the film Teri Kasam, Yeh Zameen Ga Rahi Hai. Can’t go wrong with this one and neither do Q and Rup.

Beyond Kismat is a Josh masterpiece. From covers of classic tunes to bhangra beats; soft, mellow numbers to catchy contemporary tunes, the album is chock full of variety with top-notch production quality.

‘Beyond Kismat’ releases on May 30.