JOURNEY’ BY FUZON

Album: Journey
Artist: Fuzon
Music from: EMI  

Fuzon is a band from Pakistan comprising of vocalist Rameez Mukhtar, guitarist Shallum Asher Xavier and keyboardist Imran Momina (Emu).  Their music as described by their former vocalist Shafqat Amanat Ali is a fusion of Pakistani classical music and modern western music.  And that is exactly what it is, a synthesis or fusion (as suggested by their name) of Eastern (South Asian) Classical and Western styles of music. A power house of talent and blessed with a great faculty for creativity and innovation, they have composed, shaped, arranged and produced some really top quality tracks which is very evident from the huge success of their earlier album Saaghar, that was concurrently released in Pakistan and India, and now showcase their talent in their new offering titled Journey.

Imran Momina who is better known as Emu is a composer and pianist and key board player with a tremendous talent and penchant for blending inventiveness and technology and his arrangements in the band’s various compositions speak for themselves.   

Shallum Xavier is a musician of multi-faceted talent – he is an amazing guitarist, creative composer and used to be a sound engineer in the early days of his career.  He plays a mean guitar and each song has proof of his playing skills.

Rameez Mukhtar, the new vocalist for Fuzon has been singing since childhood and has sung with the illustrious Pakistani music director Sohail Rana in music shows for television and has also recorded for a number of TV serials and commercials.  He developed his musical skills further under the able tutelage of the renowned music composer Nisar Bazmi, mastering the various nuances and techniques of classical music and began singing with the group Sanwal.  He has now become part of Fuzon, perfectly complementing Emu’s orchestral and Shallum’s guitar expertise with his vocal prowess!

Shafqat Amanat Ali who sang the breathtaking song Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was the original vocalist of Fuzon and has since left the band to concentrate on his new solo contracts and recordings.   

Neend Na Aaye – a brilliant blend of soft rock, Indo-Pakistani classical and light music…Rameez just tugs at your heart strings and proves his prowess and versatility in the way he is able to employ his vocals.  The song has some exquisite arrangements which really enhance the song and make it one of the best songs of the album.  There are a number of videos of the same song on youtube sung by their former vocalist, which are as magical as this version.  One of the best songs I have heard in a long time!

Suna Suna – starts off with a great guitar introduction and though the song reminds you of another song in the album, it still has enough charm of its own to hold its own place and has some neat back up vocals too!

Tu Kahan – The song is both expressive and harmonious inter-laced with great guitar work in the interludes and truly amazing vocals by Rameez, who engages the listener very effectively.

Dholna – very lively and engaging song – with a mix of folk, traditional and rock – the refrain is really catchy and the song is sure to attract the listener.   

Abhi Hum Kahan Hai – very soft and mellow number – keys and guitar dominate in the interludes with great results. Rameez allows his magical vocal cords to enchant the listeners, providing them with both pleasure and a sense of tranquility.

Jo Dil Ne Kahan – Rameez croons away in this soft, dreamy and appealing ballad. The orchestration though simple is really remarkable and has some great piano work.  The background score blends in perfectly and complements the song perfectly without interfering with the vocals or the mood of the song.  My second pick of the album.

Atish O Aab – a very different kind of melody and rhythm to the run of the mill songs that we are getting to hear so often nowadays.  A little more peppy and less subdued than the other songs in the album.  There is some good flute work and percussion.  

Choo Lo – a lively and foot tapping song, again with some first-rate orchestration – especially the strings and drums section!   

Paree and Teri Yaaden – two average numbers in the album – really do nothing much or ring any bells for the listener.  

Fuzon has come out with an album that has some interesting tracks some of which keep you going for the rewind button – esp. Neend Na aaye and Jo dil ne kahan.  While the lyrics on the whole are neither profound nor weighty, they are charming enough with a certain simplicity and sweetness. Where Shafqat’s vocals tended to be slightly more exciting with a combination of rawness, down to earth straightforwardness and spontaneity, Rameez has this very smooth, rich and soft voice that can soothe and enliven the listener depending on the mood of the song!  A definite companion to unwind with, either on a quiet relaxed evening at home or even on one of those long road trips.  Go for it, if you haven’t acquired the album yet!  For more information on the band, you can visit their website at www.fuzon.info

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