Top Pakistani Covers From 2011 (Part 2 of 2)
As the music industry adapts to the changing mechanics of the world, we see increased artistic output and an even greater reception. Instead of record companies, the artists are turning to sponsors and the trend of cover songs is gaining momentum. Cover songs are a great way to show off your skills and pay tribute to your heroes, but it wasn’t a very common practice until very recently. So in order to keep you more updated on this developing phenomenon here is Koolmuzone’s list of Top Pakistani Covers From 2011.
(Read: Top Pakistani Covers From 2011 Part 1)
Jumbo Jutt – Best of You (Foo Fighters)
Karachi’s Jumbo Jutt are a Rock band with an explosive sound. Their take on Foo Fighter’s amazing single, 2005’s “Best Of You” shows no signs of struggle and retains the punch and drama of the original. Introduced to the world with the first episode of Uth Records, the band displays why they deserve the attention and praise with their technical skills and unrestrained honesty as they churn out gut punching Rock N Roll, the kind that hits the right spots.
Farhad Humayun ft. Faisal Baig – Another Brick In The Wall (Pink Floyd)
Faisal Baig and Farhad Humayun are both veterans of Pakistani music industry. Faisal being a notable producer/DJ/music instructor from Karachi and Farhad largely known for his work behind the unique percussion-centric musical project Overload. The two titans joined forces for an event in Lahore to bring us this Electronic flavored rendition of Pink Floyd‘s “Another Brick In The Wall“. Farhad’s strong vocals layered with Faisal’s skillful mix of an aggressive arrangement (originally by Eric Prydz) pump up the psychedelic bits as expected while not compromising on the rebellion of this classic anthem. A beautiful effort that retains the essence in the translation from Classic Rock to cutting edge House.
7on3rd – Set Fire to the Rain (Adele Cover)
Defining an alternate route to recognition by doing covers of popular songs, 7on3rd have received considerable attention and praise for their work. For their second Adele cover, the choice of “Set Fire To The Rain” proves to be a smart one. The track features Gibran Nasir on vocals who demonstrates his impressive vocal range as previously he was recognized for his baritone radio announcer voice (being a Radio Jockey) and his work with the Heavy Metal band Messiah. The cover neatly packs the effective melodies of Adele’s hit without missing a beat, leaving us praying that they are as good with their promised original songs as they are at being a cover band.
Zoe Viccaji and Strings – Mera Bichra Yar (Strings)
Zoe Viccaji showcases her amazing vocal talents in this sponsored rendition of String‘s “Mera Bichra Yaar“. The song’s arrangement is largely in Acapella style with her voice being used for all the melodic and rhythmic riffs. Some acoustic guitar and tambourine are introduced in the later half as well as Bilal and Faisal of Strings who join Viccaji in her search. The video is shot beautifully by Zoe’s fellow Coke Studio team member Adnan Malik at a scenic ocean-side location.
Symt – Yeh Shaam, Tere Liye, Aitebar (Vital Signs)
Idling between producing their debut album and looking for a chance to release it, Lahore’s Symt decided to use their talents and revisit some memorable Pakistani gems. They unleashed a string of Vital Signs covers which were all forged with care paying tribute to one of the greatest band of this country. The reiterated songs carry the modern, edgier sound that should be familiar to followers of Symt and works of producer and guitarist Hassan Omer.
Sajid and Zeeshan – Pyar Bina (Junoon)
Sharing the honor of contributing to Junoon‘s 20th anniversary, Sajid and Zeeshan take time out from producing their 2nd album to deliver this very soulful cover of “Pyar Bina”. The gentle voice of Sajid Ghafoor carries the silky melodies of “Pyar Bina” with beauty while Zeeshan Parwez crafts an arrangement that fuses South Asian flavor with Electronic style, much like Vital Signs.
Junaid Khan – Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams)
Junaid Khan does a great cover of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of 69“. With top class production and performance, the track serves to show Junaid’s vocals (as if we are not convinced already) as nothing drastically new has been added to the original.
Aag – Mitti (Junoon)
Later in 2011, Lahore’s Aag brothers again grabbed our attention by their cover of Junoon‘s “Mitti”. With “Mitti”, Aag outdid themselves, keeping the soul of the original intact and delivering a crisp, fiery update to this Junoon classic. With a pat on the back by none other than Salman Ahmad and Brian O Connel of Junoon, Aag promises to be THE band to look out for!
Roxen – Dil mein Tum (Bunny)
It’s a surprise that not many attempts were made for covering this track. Bunny‘s “Dil Mein Tum” is a memorable hit from the stone ages of Pakistani Pop. Its transition to Roxen‘s more Pop Rock sound doesn’t appear to be forced. Best of all, Bunny himself performs vocals in the song as well as being in the video.
Faraz Haider – Thriller (Michael Jackson)
A man of many faces and voices, Faraz Haider provides us a glimpse of his complicated musical taste once in a while, this time with a Michael Jackson‘s blockbuster “Thriller“. The cover doesn’t depart from the original’s Electronic/Pop sound, instead Faraz casts a much stronger dreamy atmosphere that manages to pump up the paranoia of the classic. No doubt a world class musician and singer, we will have a hard time guessing Faraz’s next move.
