Album launch: Tracing silver linings in dark clouds

Saturn the band introduces their debut studio album.

ISLAMABAD: After eight years of playing at gigs and recording videos, Saturn the band finally launched their debut studio album on Saturday. Gathered at Kuch Khaas, the progressive rock band talked about their journey into making music, the ups and downs of going from an underground band to playing at mainstream concerts across the country. They also showcased some of the music videos to much applause.

Titled “Naya Din”, the album holds the promise of future, seeking a way out of the prevailing uncertainty and chaos in society. “The country I grew up in was very different, you didn’t hear of a bomb blast every day. Things have drastically changed since then,” said Salman Zaidi, the lead guitarist. He explained how the concept that evolved from a growing turmoil and a need to break away from it all.

His brother and the vocalist Shahbaz Zaidi was quick to recall the horror of witnessing two bomb blasts in the recent past. “Everything I saw and felt, I’ve translated into my work. This is my way of letting out those difficult emotions,” he said. His soft vocals complement the heavy riffs, making for an engaging experience, alternating into softer, hummable ballads.

On the other hand, the hard-hitting “Raakh” talks about an identity crisis among Pakistanis. Then there is lust for power in “Dhundla Aasman”, heartbreak in “Sargoshian”, rebellion against status quo in “Kuch Khaas” and so on. Though diverse in nature, all of the nine tracks resonate with a shared message of hope against hope.

Referring to this tide of ambivalence, an audience member said while the social commentary is apt, the sound lacks the enthusiasm to uplift spirits, adding the younger generation needs to be more proactive to be heard effectively.

Produced by Sarmad Ghafoor, guitarist for Atif Aslam and former Qayaas member, the album has been mixed and mastered by S&M Studios. Other band members comprise Aashir Rayyan Khan (bassist), Shahbaz Asad (drummer) and Usman Ahmad Khan (rhythm guitarist).

Saturn is a pioneer of rock bands in the country and has released music worldwide. Their CDs are available at all leading music stores including Illusions and the Mp3 will be soon released online at iTunes, Spotify and Amazon.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2013.