Biography and review on the band Qayaas

September 11, 2009

Qayaas

Qayaas is a Pakistani band that started when Khurram Waqar (previously in the successful bands, Knumb and Entity Paradigm) heard Umair Jaswal at a studio, shooting a show for ARY Musik that involved promoting upcoming bands in Islamabad. Umair was already in a band called Silversmoke, a band that is popular, with rocking songs such as ‘Zakham’ and ‘Soch’. For Khurram, his band Knumb weren’t progressing, due to a band member living far away. Knumb even made an album, but it is on hold. Khurram then contacted Umair, both being very enthusiastic with working together. The line up was complete when other members came into the scene. The line-up is Umair Jaswal (also in Silversmoke) as the vocalist, Khurram Waqar (from Knumb and Entity Paradigm) as the lead guitarist, Sarmad Ghafoor (from Rungg) on rhythm guitars, Sherry on bass and Fifu on drums, who were both from the band Surge. All members have had musical experience, combined to make a band unique in diversity and professionalism. With Qayaas complete, they could now make a name in Pakistan’s music scene.

Khurram Waqar - Lead

Khurram Waqar - Lead

So for Qayaas, it all started out by doing an acoustic album. Starting to jam in June 2008, Umair contributed a melody on one of the ideas, which helped make the first song ‘Pal’. The second song Qayaas worked on was called ‘Tanha’ (now released) that was more of an instrumental song with a ‘dark’ feel to it. Sherry, the bass player, made a basic melody for the song, so Qayaas were influencing their music around it. The first final ‘Tanha’ made was purely on acoustic guitars, until Fifu started drumming, when the tempo was raised. Khurram then added distorted guitar riffs on top of the acoustic, making ‘Tanha’ a heavy rocking hit. After ‘Tanha’, Qayaas made songs pretty easily. The album is recorded and Qayaas has certainly gained popularity through Pakistan’s music scene. This is just the start of the journey for Qayaas.

Umair Jaswal - Vocalist

Umair Jaswal - Vocalist

Let me share my thoughts on the 2 released songs by Qayaas, ‘Umeed’ and ‘Tanha’. ‘Umeed’ is a light melodious song. To me, this song is about hope. This is a positive and brilliant concept, and Khurram originally conceived it. Umair Jaswal, the vocalist, contributes the soulful lyrics into the song. With the band help, this has become a soulful track that fans can listen when in need of inspiration and hope. Listening to the heavy rocking song ‘Tanha’ certainly gets my attention. The different mix of distorted and smooth feels from the guitar gives the band the originality it deserves. The vocals by Umair Jaswal however, are what really draw the listener’s attention. His powerful voice can reach different tones throughout and certainly contributes to give the listener the deep feelings theme throughout the song. The solo done by Khurram Waqar is well perfected and the different melodic techniques hook the listener. Overall, this rocking song is perfectly mastered and mixed in such a way that the listener has to keep head banging. Qayaas proves to have originality, something that many bands lack.

Sarmad Ghafoor - Rhythms

Sarmad Ghafoor - Rhythms

Qayaas has also played live. Their near-recent performance at Sweet Leaf City Jam in Islamabad shows to attract quiet a crowd! This event is a popular underground event that allows different bands to jam. Qayaas’s original, “Shaherzad”, kicks off with a fresh solo to liven our moods. When the song begins, the guitarists are riffing away on their guitarists while Umair (the vocalist) shows us how amazing his voice is. With the different tones he adds to his voice, he sings and screams in the song. The guitar solo is full of feeling and just adds to the performance. Another song performed is “Charkha” that is also a song full of feeling, and the band certainly delivers it. As well as singing, Umair is seen head banging his head this time. The guitar riffs are again perfected and the guitar solo contributes to the grungy-feel song. Another performance is an instrumental called “Jinnah Avenue” performed by the famous guitarist Zeejah, including Asfendyar Ahmed and Qayaas’s bass player, Sherry. The lead guitar work from Zeejah is really skilled, while the rhythm and bass guitars rock out.

Fifu - Drumer

Fifu - Drumer

Qayaas have also played their original songs “Umeed” and “Tanha” in another live event as well as their other originals. “Umeed” is performed very soulfully and “Tanha” makes everyone rock out. The solos are always perfect and add more feeling into the songs. The rocking song “Charkha” is played perfectly and the fans love it, most of them waving their mobiles in the air. Umair’s voice again delivers the soulful attribute to the song and the guitar solos also add the feels of the song. Qayaas lastly play their original “Rock Song”. An amazing drum solo starts the “Rock Song” by Qayaas’s drum player, Fifu, and livens up the audience for the coming song. The groovy guitar solo certainly adds a rocking effect. The band of Qayaas continues to rock the stage, even the fans sing along.

Throughout the performances, the band of Qayaas plays at perfection. Unique in their styles and diversity that gives the fans the knowledge that Qayaas is certainly talented.

Sherry - Bass

Sherry - Bass

The band of Qayaas is surely amazing; they’re extraordinary lineup, their diverse music and talent. It has also taken music to a new level in Pakistan’s music scene. And I say it will be quiet a journey for others to top them. Qayaas’s music, as well as making people ‘rock out’, has given the feeling of inspiration to listeners. Not just because of the songs, but how well they have continued pursuing their passion to make music. Let’s hope Qayaas will continue to provide us with amazing music and let’s hope we hear much more from them in the future. I’m sure, we have only seen the start of them.