Every episode that has come out from Coke Studio this season has proven that the platform only grows in its strengths. Whether it was last week’s episode which paid homage to tradition or this week’s outlook onto fusion, we can’t help but update our playlist after each episode from Season 10. However, this episode, nothing had more effect on us than Momina Mustehsan’s ‘Ghoom Taana‘.
Reviewing the songs from this episode, here’s the lowdown of what each performance was about.
‘Yo Soch’
An innovative original arrangement by Strings, ‘Yo Soch’ draws inspiration from classic jazz and the theatrics of musicals. Embellished with a poignant sitar and a melancholic piccolo, the song brings the very ethos of a classic tune that makes it extremely soothing to listen to.  The song stars Ali Zafar and Natasha Khan, who push boundaries of language, sound, and love. Natasha’s poised and delicate voice is a perfect combination with Ali’s emotive vocals make for a beautiful song and that’s why it’s probably one of the best this episode.
‘Kaatay Na Katay’
Bursting at the seams with energy, ‘Kaatay Na Katay’ is surely the sound we were yearning for this season of Coke Studio. Featuring Humera Arshad, Rachel Viccaji & Aima Baig, the fusion of rock and semi-classical in the song is an audio-visual experience that we can’t get enough of. Juxtaposed with Aima and Rachel’s youthful intensity, Humera Arshad creates space of her own with her signature semi-classical vocals steering the song into a truly traditional realm.
‘Dam Mast Qalandar’
Delving into the realm of traditions and Sufism, Coke Studio has once again taken on the impossible and given us a treasure trove out of it. What is a dhamaal without a solid groove? Shuja Haider paints this evergreen kalaam with fresh, vibrant colors through a tight percussive section and warm, grooving bass. Woven with Umair Jaswal’s strong vocal stylings, the beats play a huge role in making the song an intricate delight.  If you want to transcend to another realm, this is what you need!
‘Ghoom Taana’
Perhaps the best song of the whole season yet, Momina Mustehsan’s rendition of the Salman Ahmed and Shubha Mudgal ‘Ghoom Tana’ is what wonderful dreams are made of.  With the force of 7 female voices singing, this rendition is an emotionally-stirring piece that siphons the musical energies of Salman Ahmad in it’s truest form.
Laced with his signature guitar tones and musicality, the song is an appeal to light in the time of darkness. Momina Mustehsan’s sweet, crystalline tone paired with the incredible chorus of the young girls from Irteassh create an anthem for the ages and that’s what makes it the best pick from the episode.
Bursting with energy in their own signature styles, Momina and Salman’s connection in the song is as strong as the original with Shubha. The honeyed vocals of the singer just make the background vocals by Irteassh feel even more voluminous, which gives the song its distinct edge.
Amongst a great number of songs this season, ‘Ghoom Taana’ may as well be the flagbearer of everything one needed from Coke Studio this iconic season.
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