The third episode of Coke Studio Season 8 was much better than the preceding two parts. The reason for it is that it didn’t try and do more, or less, than what was required to reach the audience’s heart.

The standout performance was Neun La Leya by Kavaish. The control and feel with which the classic was performed was delightful to hear. Ali Sethi and Nabeel Shaukat’s Umra Lagiyan was also a nice attempt. It has to be said though that Nabeel’s arrival in the scheme of things lifted the performance a notch up. He is fast becoming a force to reckon with, but seems to be thinking about the right pitching all the time, which is good. But when expression is added to technique, it is doubly enjoyable.

Arif Lohar’s Rung Jindri was a foot-tapping piece and Arif seldom disappoints with his vocals. However, the benchmark that he has set himself (Jugni) will always make it difficult for him to impress music lovers the way Jugni did. Atif Aslam and Gul Panrra’s Man Amedaham was also good.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 6th, 2015

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