The New Nation - Internet Edition

Entertainment Report

Armeen Musa is not a new face at the underground circuit. With two bands underlining her name and a single in the very popular mixed album 'Jhalmuri,' as well as her hit number, the remake of Radha Raman's 'Bhromor Koio Giya;' AM has managed to create a niche for her music over the years. Her debut solo release, 'Aye Ghum Bhangai' from G-Series, is an easy listening 12-track treat for the avid listeners, eight written and 11 tuned by the singer herself.

A deeply personal album compiling her musical endeavours from early years at school till now, 'Aye Ghum Bhangai' is a walk through her life and mind. 'Pakhi,' a composition from her days as the blue haired, head banging, restless fifteen-years old, is a soulful blend of acoustic and electric guitars with soft drumming done by her band, The Grasshoppers. Followed by 'A Minor', mixed by Buno from Bangla and Adil from The Grasshopper, carries a funk, electronic ambience that beautifully balances its flow of words, written by Farhan Sajjad.

The title track opens with catchy guitar strumming, eventually throwing into a set of verses complimented by the humming of drums. One of my personal favourites, owing to Farhan Sajjad's lyrical brilliance, 'Aye Ghum Bhangai' is a simple soulful number that demands and deserves fast paced popularity. Contrary to most solo albums, AM's debut compilation comprise of a cover of Sachin Deb Burman's 'Ghum Bhulechi.' Although much doubts and anticipation were cast over its perfection, 'Ghum' is a moving number, adding to the emotional awakening that characterizes this album. The ninth track of the collection, 'Na Ki Aar' incorporates a very different set of beats (done by Ornob). Another personal favourite, the song is the harmonious intermingling of a haunted state of mind contrasting to a lover's romantic pleadings.

'Jaa Urre Jaa' is a track featuring Mercury Award winning jazz pianist from England, Zoe Rahman and her brother Idris Rahman on the clarinet. Arranged by Buno with orchestral elements, the number embodies a beautiful solo by Idris and very traditional Bengali percussions. The most heart-rending and delicate song, 'Ei Shondhaye' is dedicated to AM's late stepfather, Dr Anis Waiz. Slow guitar strumming (by Saif Quadir) aching to a drift of emotions flowing to her voice; this number speaks of accepting one's loss of someone precious, and realising pain cannot be healed, but is rather resided with forever.

Although I personally feel the album carries a single set of sounds with few noticeable variations, it builds up to one's emotions and weakens the listener in an interesting way. Being an intimate production of AM's own dwellings dedicated to her mother Dr Nashid Kamal and her sister Aashna Musa, the album is something you can hum along to at the darkest hours of night. As mentioned in the inscription of the cover, 'Aye Ghum Bhangai' is a self-awakening journey towards embracing one's truest potentials outside the norms of life.