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Being an avid listener of Pakistani pop music since its inception, I must say
that in the past ten years bands like Junoon, Vital Signs, Awaz, and solo
singers like Ali Haider, Shehzad Roy, and various others have exhibited their
talents creating stepping stones for the rookies to follow. Most of these new
comers followed their veteran coaches, but then there were some that tried to
be unique and distinctive with their music. They either presented complete
balderdash or supererogated their way to stand head to head with the fathers of
Pakistani pop music. Surely there were either winners or losers, but all in all,
it was the hard work and persistence that helped most of the beginners entering
the pop music world reach success.
Three years ago, I came across Oprè, a Houston based band. They were caught
amidst the hustle for recognition and acceptance in the international world of
music and also the Paki pop music world. They did not relinquish their hope to
reach the masses with what they had in store. By overthrowing their nooks and
crannies, they continued to refine their music. With unlimited support of their
executive producer Faisal Afzaal, and their manager Sajid Kazmi, Oprè finally
achieved their ultimate dream. Long and behold, on February 14, 1998, Oprè's
magnum opus, Suraagh, was released in the United States of America.
Oprè is a name beyond comprehension to the majority, but after interrogation, I
was told, "O.P.R.E. stands for Order to the Peoples' Rock Empire, or it can also
mean beyond insanity, or beyond Junoon! ;)" Oprè is comprised of:
Shahid Kazmi - Lead & Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Drum Tracks & Percussions
Omran “Momo” Shafique ( EX OPRE ) - Lead, Acoustic & Bass Guitars & Backing Vocals
Saqib “Saks” Najmi - Rhythm & Lead Guitars & Backing Vocals.
Their music is distinctive and it is a collaborative manifestation
of self-effacing boundaries of the east and the west. They surely have not
limited their music to one familiar rut. Instead, it is invigorating, vigorous,
and a breath of fresh air!
Suraagh commences with a catchy tune, Dorke. It goes something like "meray
paas aa dorke, yoonh na tarpao mujhey," and you can sense the elaborated cut to
the chase attitude that will certainly entice and excite you. The next song,
Jalte Parcham, is the so-called 'required social awareness' fulfillment of
every Pakistani pop music album, but wait, I mean it in a positive way. Tera
Naam follows, and this is the song filled with enlivened soft hearted
sensitivity of an infatuated 'pagal' soul aspiring to cherish that special
someone. The lyrics are harmonious, and Momo rejuvenates us with his guitar
proficiency. The magical forces behind the music lured me to push the REPEAT
button and after two hours and thirty-two minutes, I was singing each and every
word along. Yes, it is one of those songs that will make it to your all time
favorite hits list! And, even though I didn't want to, I moved on to the next
song saying to myself, “baad mein aur suneingey!” The next song, Anjaani
Raahein, blew my mind. I said “Oh God, ZZ TOPPPP ki tarah!! magar nahee,
these fine guys dont have the baree baree daarhee.” On this convincing note, I
ignored the resemblance in the music, and ended up head banging and air
guitaring with Momo. His superb guitar work is noteworthy not only in this song,
but also throughout the album. After that short workout session on Anjani
Raahein, Raat Bheegi followed. This subtler soothing sound is
built on layers of acoustic with engaging and mesmerizing lyrics. I relaxed and
just stared into the background. The title song Suraagh is very
efficacious in terms of the alluring lyrics and the mysterious music. It goes
like “Kahee nahee hai lahoo ka yeh suraagh.” In this number, Oprè successfully
epitomize why their album has been titled ‘Suraagh’ instead of the very
commercial boring titles like ‘Haseen Larki’ or ‘Udaasiyat’ or the repeatedly
used ‘Pyar 98’...Eyoh gross!! The next number ‘Mera Dil’ is a remix of Shahid’s
1994 single. This one sounds much better and is totally groovy baby! ‘Zinda
Laash’ is where Saks totally shows off his extraordinary guitar skills. And you
know what, this number has been recorded on 124 tracks! Zinda Laash
will become a favorite of all of you who are “truly, madly, deeply” wanting to
be with that someone particular in your life. The next tune, Pyar is a
pleasing nostalgic, sentimental blend, and this is the aria that each and
everyone of you will end up singing or e-mailing to your loved one. And sunney
ke baad, “tab yeh baat samjho gey ke kiya hota hai pyar.” The album’s grand
finale Nitt Khair is a recomposition of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
marhoom’s hit. The traditional tabla beats have been well incorporated with the
more modern sonics. This song is a tribute to the legendary maestro, NFAK. What
a way to wind up the album!
This
enjoyable collaboration of the tunes of the east and the west is beyond
expectations. Oprè is the first international band to record in the US of A and
Suraagh happens to be the most expensive Pakistani album released. Their US tour
is scheduled in either March or April and we all will soon see these hotties in
action in their upcoming video of Tera Naam.
The
streamlined drumbeats, Momo’s and Saks’ sensational speaker ripping guitars,
exquisitely crafted lyrics, and Shahid’s almost impeccable vocals make Suraagh
the breakthrough album of 1998.
By Afsheen
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