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They're back
Junoon hosts a press show at the launch of their tenth album
In the most notorious corner of Karachi, Pakistan's biggest rock act, Junoon
launched their brand new album. Their tenth in more than a decade, the
self-pro-claimed pioneers of rock in Pakistan (actually there isn't anyone
challenging that fact, so we'll stick with it) are back.
The album launch and the subsequent press show was held at one of the major
markets for audio-visual media in Sadder, which is known as Pakistan's
supermarket of pirated cassettes and CDs. There, Junoon (Ali Azmat, Bryan
O'Connell and the band's manager, Shehryar) along with the owner of their
recording company (a well known producer of pirated ware) were at hand for the
press call as hordes of fans shoved and jostled just for a glimpse of their
heroes and a free poster. Surprisingly, Salman, Junoon's man on the front line
was not there. We were told that he is out of the country. But what can be more
important for Salman than the launch of his latest album? This was one of the
many questions left unanswered that day. Maybe he anticipated the rumpus and
decided to stay away from it all!
The press conference wasn't any prettier either. Journalists were made to follow
Junoon's entourage through Rainbow Centre's dark, uncomfortable stairways, first
up and then back down to the mezzanine floor to yet another stuffy room where
people were more interested in getting free copies of the album than inquiring
about the new record. In the middle of all the mad rush, Shehryar's courtesy
never gave in and he was ever ready to answer a few questions.
Dewaar is the group's first studio release in over two-and-a-half-years. And in
this time, Since Ishq, a number of acts have made a place for themselves.
Shehryar's view on the topic was rather confident.
"We acknowledge the talent, especially that which is brewing in Karachi, the
work that is being done on the channels and on radio. But don't forget Junoon."
Of the 12 tracks that are on the album, Taara Jala, Hungama and the rather corny
sounding Pappu Yaar Tang Na Kar are the tracks to take note of.
For the first time, Junoon has gone for Ghalib's poetry (Hungama). Also, the
band is claiming that the opening song of the album, Taara Jala is the longest
Pakistani song ever, clocking in at more than seven minutes. So it basically
gives you a choice: either enjoy seven minutes of pure Junoon, or endure the
misery of going thorough the song and dump the CD. Take a pick!
"We have returned to the basics, our rock foundations," stressed Shehryar.
"There is no sufism this time round, no tabla or sitar". Asked to comment,
Bryan, Junoon's friendly bassist said, "This is the best Junoon album yet,
better than all the previous ones. That is why we have released it during
Pakistan's independence celebrations."
On the question of why the press conference was held in such a crowded,
congested area, Khalid Sadaf, owner of the group's recording company, put it
rather simply. "We wanted to do it for the fans." With the kind of people that
showed up, it really made one wonder about the quality of fans that Junoon
inspires.
Pappu Yaar Tang Na Kaar is the answer to all the rumour mongers, playfully
telling them not to go around spreading vile things about the group. "We are not
breaking up, as was being touted by the industry folk recently, and this song is
basically an answer to all these people to stop with this misinformation."
With more than $10,000 spent on the record, one of the unique features of the
new Junoon album is that the CD contains three videos; Maza Zindagi Ka, Pappu
Yaar and the single, No More. Another point worth mentioning is the re-recording
of the evergreen Khwab. Originally done by Junoon in their early days, the song
somehow doesn't feel the same with Ali's screeching vocals trying to get into
the mood. But not wanting to take anything away from Junoon's hard work, the
album does sound good. It defiantly shows that no matter how many acts come and
go, there's no replacing Junoon. Not yet anyway.
Atif Khan
DAWN
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