Coke Studio 15 presents a focused fusion of music and culture, evident from its Sindhi opener, “Aayi Aayi,” to the recent release, “Harkalay,” which seamlessly blends Pashto and English.
While fusion music should birth a third secret thing, “Harkalay” appears to miss this essence, despite its ambitious homage to Pashtun culture by Zahoor and REHMA.
Zahoor’s technically proficient performance lacks the dynamism needed, leaving a longing for vitality, whereas REHMA’s fusion of styles may evoke mixed reactions.
The song’s arrangement starts stripped-down, gradually building momentum, culminating in a compelling bridge section where the artists engage in rapid exchanges.
The call-and-response dynamic in the chorus showcases the chemistry between Zahoor and REHMA, uniting their voices in harmony.
While “Harkalay” may not reach the heights of being the ‘sound of the nation,’ it offers moments of virtuosity backed by meticulous production.
Though visually pleasing, the music videos adhere to a standard visual grammar, lacking distinctiveness despite cultural focus.
Despite the effort to make the songs visually appealing, the videos seem to compensate for the traditional edge missing in the sonic experience.
