Mizmaar is one of the many new acts from Pakistan to enter the Indian music industry. The newcomers come packaged with a rock sound that is fairly good on the ears. The word Mizmaar in Persian means ‘stringed musical instrument’ and by the sound of the album they surely have a lot of strings playing around.

The compositions are well conceived with some great drumming Alfred D’Mello, powerful vocals from Daniyal Badshah and good string section from bassist/guitarist/keyboardist and producer Kashan Admani. All of the albums lyrics have been penned by Sabir Zafar.

Some of the highlights on the 14 track album that also includes a few reworked pieces would be the racy title track Barson which has fantastic vocals, great leads that is sure to set the stage on fire. This is followed by the title track Sitara that is heart wrenchingly beautiful with good instrumentation and falls in the same line as Logon Ko Rehne Do.

Mizmaar excel on ballads too, and Hai Pyar Kya, Pal, Pani Pe Tasveer, Teri Yadein shows the softer side of the band that is worth checking out. However Sajna is slightly loud on the ears, while Ajnabi is unimpressive.

On the whole the trio gel well and manage to bring out a great rock sound that is tight, well grooved and at times with a catchy hook.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira