Aaroh breaks its nine-year silence in the best way possible

The latest track is giving us some major 'Raag Neela' vibes

KARACHI: It's official, Aaroh has reunited after its nine-year long hiatus and is back with yet another rocking number that will send chills down your spine.

SCREENGRAB

Earlier this year, Aaroh came together on Pepsi Battle of the Bands and performed it's evergreen Na Kaho and Raag Neela, leaving fans asking for more.


After nine long years, multiple breakups and the sad demise of lead guitarist, Haider Hashmi, the band is back with its original vocalist Farooq Ahmed. With Khalid Khan on bass, Jason Anthony on drums and Asad ul Hafeez on lead guitar, Mein Nahi Manta might just be the reality check we all need. Of course, with the mandatory head-banging that makes the Aaroh experience complete.



SCREENGRAB

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Farooq revealed that the band had never planned to come back together, but the response they got from fans when they performed at Pepsi Battle of the Bands was huge. He said, "While performing, we realised that working together is amazing and that the chemistry was still there so we thought of giving it a shot."


He also added, "Even other musicians from the industry were happy that we're back and releasing a new song. They were equally excited."

SCREENGRAB

Titled Mein Nahi Manta, the song addresses several societal and political issues in Pakistan and the band's stance on how it does not accept any of these. The lyrics gel perfectly with the video, bringing in facts about the country to support the arguments Aaroh is making in this song. Seen performing in a junkyard or in a dark room with newspaper cuts as the wallpaper, the band makes sure that its aim to highlight the negativity that has been prevailing the country since decades, doesn't go unnoticed.

SCREENGRAB

When questioned on why he thought this song was so important as a comeback, Farooq stated, "I live in the US but I follow Pakistani politics to the core, so I know whatever is happening in the country. Khalid told me about Habib Jalib, who was a revolutionary writer and we thought of using his words for this song because they fit so perfectly."

SCREENGRAB

He further explained, "After releasing this song, some people from the industry complained that we were only focusing on the negativity in the country. But I believe that even as musicians, we are affected by what's going on around us and feel that we should voice our opinion as well. Aaroh is known for its love songs, but we also have a responsibility to make such things known. Hopefully, this will bring some change in the society which is why we felt that it was the right time to come back, especially with Mein Nahi Manta."

SCREENGRAB

Speaking on the possibility of a new album, Farooq quoted, "As of now, I can't personally commit to releasing an album, but we are working on a few songs that we plan to release soon."

With black eyeliner, long locks, ripped t-shirts and some leather, the members are in their perfect rockstar-selves. To understand what we're talking about, have a listen for yourself! And look out for that 20-second guitar and drum combo by Asad and Jason that will give you some major goosebumps.


Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.