Faraz Haider – Andher (KM Album Review)
By Hasan Faridi
Only after the release of a video packed with astounding effects and a brand new album named Andher, a solo artist named Faraz Haider has been stealing some of the spotlight.
Faraz Haider began to take interest in music from as early as 13, heavily influenced from artists like Michael Jackson. The older Faraz now takes inspiration from the likes of David Coverdale (of Deep Purple fame), the lead singer of Soundgarden Chris Cornell, and Guns N’ Roses.
Some people say he is the “Chris Cornell of Pakistan”.
A few months before the release of the album, a spectacular video teaser was released from Pakistan’s leading music blogs and websites. After an 18-second tease, people began to anticipate the release of the video. The video is packed with energy and a powerful mood, especially as the band seem to battle the forces of Hell surrounding them. Luckily, the album begins with the very song “Andher”, the heaviest song in the album. The power of the song however, is better with the video.
The tracks “Duniya Ghoom Ke” and “Rukh Jao” are mellow numbers filled with soulful lyrics and acoustic guitars for the ones who easily get headaches from hard guitar riffs.
“Nasha” and “Tum Na Rahay” are the groovy tracks in the album, containing funky guitar riffs and powerful vocals. The bridges get heavier and the solos are addictive. These are the songs where the influence of Guns N’ Roses Axl comes to life.
The tracks “Jeena Bhi To Hai” and “Benaam” sound out-of-this-world… seriously. The tracks are mixed with eerie futuristic sounds, but prove that Faraz Haider can step outside the boundaries and deliver something new and modern to the Pakistani audience of today.
Naveen Waqar, a popular Pakistani model and VJ (on AAG TV) happens to be Faraz Haider’ sister. She also happens to be singing in the song “Intezaar”. Their voices both go hand in hand like that special bond between a brother and sister.
It’s seems like two of the best songs in the album, “Kya Tu Insaan Naheen” and “Shukria”, are put near the end for a reason. Although mellow during the verses, the songs strike a powerful blow as the choruses kick in.
“Tum Hee Jaano” starts off rather mellow but gives listeners a jolt of surprise as heavy riffs strum at the choruses. The solo is brilliant and like the album predecessors, it’s no surprise. Why? Because the combination of music in this one disc are addictive and never seem to get old. Each song seems to have a sound of it’s own.
The album sadly closes to a halt with the last track named “Tum Na Rahay (Orchestral)”, which is the previous titled track but played with orchestral music. A closing track can’t get any soulful and beautiful than this.
Pakistani artists and bands have something to compete against (especially after the video of “Andher”), because we haven’t heard the last of Faraz. The album delivers a diverse style in music, with hints of rock and alternative-pop, classical and modern sounds, for all ears alike. Let this be the beginning of Faraz Haider, and let’s hope we hear from another release… while we finish listening to this addicting album that is.
