Bayaan release their sophomore album

Band celebrates a decade with 'Safar'

Lahore-based alternative rock band Bayaan has officially released their sophomore album Safar. Dropped on December 13, the announcement came via Instagram, captioned, "Safar is out now! Streaming on all major platforms. Let us know your favourite track from the album."

Emerging as winners of Battle of the Bands Season 3 in 2018, Bayaan comprises of Asfar Hussain (vocalist), Haider Abbas (bassist), Shahrukh Aslam (guitarist), Muqeet Shahzad (guitarist), and Mansoor Lashari (drummer).

The nine-track album includes collaborations such as Maand featuring Hasan Raheem and Rovalio, Tere Naal featuring Sanah Moidutty and Vaibhav Pani which already has a music video out on YouTube, and the title track Safar featuring Sherazam.

The release cover art, also posted on Instagram depicts a richly detailed tapestry of symbols and objects, offering listeners a glimpse into the thematic essence of Safar. Mountains and waterfalls dominate the background, while elements like a compass, a map, and a hand reaching into a mirror are littered throughout. Vibrant birds, telescopes, and jigsaw pieces are also weaved in.

With Safar, Bayaan marks a decade since the band's inception. On Instagram, they described the album as, "Celebrating 10 years journey of Bayaan's music and 'fan'mily. Encountering countless moments that have changed our lives forever. And still, the Safar continues…"

The release of the album coincides with Bayaan's national tour. Following a successful performance in Lahore on December 14, the band is set to take the stage in Islamabad on December 21 and Karachi on December 28. Sharing a video from the Lahore concert, Bayaan wrote, "Thank you Lahore for the brilliant response. A fantastic and loud full house. You all were amazing. We're still in awe of what happened last night."

Fan reactions to Safar have been overwhelmingly positive. "Congratulations on the album. Definitely one of the best bands on the scene," said an Instagram user.

"Loved the album, Maand is so so so good! Can't wait to see you guys live," commented another.

However, some long-time listeners expressed mixed feelings about Bayaan's evolving sound. One fan on Instagram remarked, "Please bring back the old Suno contemporary classic Bayaan back. Don't get me wrong, the album is great but the sudden change of genre from rock and classical to the new gen core is nothing in front of their old work."