With the recent turmoil over Pakistani bands playing in India, it was sad to notice that Mekaal Hasan one of Pakistan’s well respected rock outfits had to cancel their press conference in Mumbai after the MNS led Shiv Sena raised slogans over their forming an Indo – Pak band. While we would surely support the fact that India needs to promote its own singers and bands, there is no harm if the countries work in music collaboration, for music certainly has no boundaries.

All said and done we have Jal a Pakistani Sufi rock band with elements of pop, whose third studio album (Boondh was their second) was released sometime back. Formed in Lahore in 2002, Jal is one of the most commercially successful and influential rock music groups of all time in Pakistan. In spite of all the constant change in the members, one cannot forget – lead vocalist Atif Aslam who was earlier a part of the band and whose super hit Aadat which is also the name of their debut album, made a name for themselves years ago. But Aslam parted away from the band due to musical differences with lead guitarist Mumtaz, who now head the band. Fans will remember that Aadat was remade for the Bollywood movie Kalyug, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt and that later Woh Lamhey from the Bollywood movie Zeher was also part of the Jal’s musical offerings.

The band now consists of two members Goher Mumtaz lead vocalist and Amer Tofaiel (Shazi) bass player. Goher also doubles as guitarist, composer, lyricist and producer. There was also Farhan Saeed who had left the band and gave a chance for Goher Mumtaz the founder of Jal band to show his singing talent which have always been hidden behind the heart piercing voice of Farhan Saeed.

The album has a total of 12 tracks, including three bonus tracks. This is an impressive number, which signal that JAL is back and better than ever and also trying out the electro dance style to woo a wider audience.

If you have tuned in to their earlier albums or have listened to them online, there is a vast improvement in the arrangements on the whole album and in the vocals of Goher. He manages to put in a husky voice at times to giving off his best with a deep velvety low on others.

Dil Haari is essentially a ballad, with powerful vocals. Tanhai, is another splendid love song, which will appeal to all the romantic souls out there with its touching lyrics and relaxed mid tempo waltz. If you want to replay the both Dil Haari and Tanhai, you can always cue into the end of the CD and try the slow version and the slightly faster take of Tanhai on the DJ AKS remix and the slow jab of Dil Haari. Both tracks are worthy tuning into.

Moving ahead you can try the title track Pyaas what with its powerful drums, big choruses and electro-pop beats make the title track a must hear. You also have Ik Arzu that is filled with sushy lyrics and Bulleh Shah's poetry. Tu Muskra kicks off with guitars and drums and puts Jal in the rock genre where it is supposed to be. The last of the highlights on the album would be Dil ki Baat that has amazing lyrics that speak about lost love.

Overall, the album is definitely one for your CD collection. Includes Lyrics.

-  By Verus Ferreira