Parvaaz/ Na Gul Na Gulistan


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Parvaaz/ Na Gul Na Gulistan 

Genre: Urdu-rock

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

When founder-guitarist Mir Kashif Iqbal quit in 2021 after a decade-plus stint, fans wondered which direction Bengaluru-based rock band Parvaaz would take. But vocalist Khalid Ahamed was joined by Bharath Kashyap on guitars, and the gig appearances were revived.

Now, six years after releasing Kun, Parvaaz has come out with its new album Na Gul Na Gulistan. The title translates into 'Neither flowers, nor garden (remain)', which may symbolically have multiple interpretations. Naturally, themes of loss, longing, angst and rebellion recur. The lyrics are in Urdu this time, not getting into Kashmiri as they occasionally did. 

Bharath fills in smoothly for Mir, as is immediately evident in the second track 'Talafi' (atonement or compensation), which follows the brief, slogan-chant opener 'Hu'. With Khalid's earthy vocals, Bharath's smooth riffing and effortless transitions, 'Talafi' has a trademark Parvaaz sound. 

On 'Dogma', Khalid begins, "Bezubaan, in labzon ka yeh shor, aa gayi duniya mein kya yeh daur". It's a song that grows on you, with the intense guitar lines uplifting the piece, and drummer Sachin Banandur and bassist Fidel D'Souza holding the rhythm section together.

'Faani' (perishable, mortal) brings down the tempo, and has some melodic arrangements. 'Kauai o-o' is a name taken from an extinct Hawaiian bird. Beginning and ending with the bird's call (sourced from an ornithology lab in New York), it has a very Kashmiri folk sound, as Khalid begins, "Mujhse kiya hai mere dil ne sawaal kya, tujhse juda hai mere dil ka khayaal kya, khamoshiyon ka ho rahi yeh shumaar sa, furqat mohabbat hai to shokh-e-visaal kya". The melodic oud and guitar wail are superb, and this song is perhaps the album's highlight.

'Zor-o-Zar' (force, power and wealth) has a sound that takes you back to the early days of Parvaaz. 'Khwab Gah' (bedroom) has a melancholic start and some smooth harmonies. The album concludes with the title track, which exudes pathos through the lines, "Chaman mein abhi teergi ka jo alam hai, na gul khiley aur na gulistan." They are sung in loop, making way for another chant as the climax.

For fans who have been waiting for some new material, Na Gul Na Gulistan is a welcome comeback. The composition style hasn't changed, and Khalid's vocals have his typical style. Yet, the songs have their own charm, growing after a few listens. 






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