Gunkali by Kaavish: Start of a Melodic Eon (Album Review)

January 17, 2010

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

The title seems a bit bizarre since Kaavish started their journey some years back, but the actual journey begins with this album. “Patience is a Virtue”. So finally after a long wait and protracted lull, Gunkali is out there.  After their single “Bachpan” that hit more than 44, 000 views on You Tube; it’s their debut album Gunkali now that rocks the world. The single “Bachpan” had a melancholic and lamented touch to it.  Gunkali is a different music flavor as compared with the single “Bachpan” of the band. The word “Gunkali” stands for a morning raga, depicting a new beginning. The album is indeed a new beginning of Kaavish’s stretched journey. The album contains ten tracks with final mixing and mastering performed by Faisal Rafi. “Morey Sayyian”, “Bachpan” and “Tere Pyaar Mein” are the most touching numbers of the album. Nayyara Noor, besides being a music legend, has this time contributed towards the album by penning down some deep and touchy lyrics for Kaavish. The music cannot be categorized as hard rock or pop, but embodies touchy lyrics, and highly soulful melodies. Being one of the most awaited albums of 2010, Kaavish does a wonderful job of attracting audience of every age. The music doesn’t lie in some specific genre, but touches heart deeply. The album is mainly composed of quixotic ballads and slow tracks, beautiful poetic lyrics and affecting tunes, creating an overall affectionate vibe. The opening track “Chand Taare” is a bit different kind and doesn’t define the typical Gunkali vibe much, with a more commercial-like touch to it. However, the track “Morey Sayyian”, defines a typical Kaavish disposition, with a classical stroke to it.  The track “Sunn Zarra” has a bit darker touch to it and “Chaltey Rahein” is the kind of track that defines life, with its poignant lyrics, reflecting that life keeps on moving and doesn’t stop at all. It is not a sad or forlorn song, but defines best the philosophy of life. The song “Dekho” is an ordinary number with monotone kind style. “Piya Dekho Na” is another splendid number.

The closing tracks “Dil Mein Mere” and “Koi Hey to Sahi” are a bit different from the entire album. Some may find it a bit disappointing, since it has the purest form of music. Six years is a big time and Kaavish shows more maturity in their work. The only thing a bit strange is that, after song, “Tere Pyaar Mein”, it gives a feeling as if only one song is being played again and again. The second half of the album sounds almost analogous, where the last five songs cannot be differentiated much from each other.  Some more variety could have been put in the last songs of the album. Kaavish only needed to experiment a bit with some variety of music. The album happens to be one of the most promising albums of the year.  Apart from the band members, some renowned musicians like Shallum Xavier, Gumby, Amir Zaki, Omran Shafique, Abbas Premjee, Khalid Khan, Javed Iqbal and Rahat Ali have also contributed towards the album. So, the “Kaavish” (struggle) by Kaavish is truly worth admiring.

Hani Arif speaks about Kaavish’s Gunkali

Finally it’s out, clearly the most delayed album ever. The album release is a relief albeit it comes with a record label change and a band member quitting. The album has a soft mood and (a couple less than a dozen) mellow tracks, which go very well with the name of the album Gunkali. The tracks feature Pakistans best musicians i.e. Aamir Zaki, Gumby, Omran, Khalid Khan etc.

Album begins with Chaand Taaray with Omran on guitars, adding a funk with his playing, makes one realize that Omran does have his signature sound & playing style. The vocals in this track also seem to be recorded at a different time measure compared to the measures kept for the instruments, innovative vocal breaks placement.

“Dharkan Hai Tu Dil Hoon mein, Mil Jayein To Jee Uthain” is Chaltay Rahein is all about movements and not ceasing oneself anywhere giving a very nomadic feel as natural elements like the water flowing has been incorporated in the song writing.

Bachpan and Tere Pyaar Mein both released on video prior to the album release have been reworked in their album versions, thankfully.
Tere Pyaar Mein wasn’t that old of a track but the extra Piano notes in the album version are no harm to the ears.With Bachpan too,Abbas Premjees guitar work is interesting compared to the video version. Kaavish surely knew what they had to do when compiling the album.

Morey Sayyan is the last video released coinciding with the album release, very emotional track. The violin, flute and Piano add to the emotiveness.

Koi Hai To Sahee is nicely written by Jaffer and Maaz has optimism and a tinge of pessimism in it .Good Duet between the two although feels a bit rushed with Jaffer quickly repeating verses in some instances, very opera like ending on this one.

Piya Dekho Na ,Sunn Zara Dekho and Dil mein Meray are all good tracks too, Dil mein Meray track credits mentions Jaffer Zaidi and Samra Khan on vocals. Now either Samra is producing instrument sounds with her mouth or it is a misprint in the credits only Jaffer would be able to tell.

If there is a Genre- I want to place this album under it is Contemporary Classical. There are 10 tracks and unlike most other albums there no repeat tracks with Extended/Guitar/Vocal/Club Mixes- takes one back to the times when artists Stayed true to their game, bold move, album integrity is kept intact while ignoring the commercial viability that could’ve come with the inclusion of such tracks. An album worth buying and for showcasing maturity from the ever-increasing Pakistani Musical Talent.

Hani writes full time on haniarif.com