Entity Paradigm (E.P)-- Irtiqa

EP is more than a rock band and the analogy that I constantly draw about them being more than mere musicians, and in reality being artists holds true in more than one way. The biggest proof of that is their debut album Irtiqa, which is unlike any other effort made in the history of Pakistani music so far. From the album’s abstract cover and inlay art to the highly intellectual lyrics to the musical mood set by the songs, Irtiqa is a highly cohesive concept. And as Zulfiqar, EP’s guitarist and mastermind behind the album, puts it – it is “about the evolution of a new-born”; the journey of a mythical protagonist through various stages of life. As the protagonist breaks the cocoon and emerges from the ruins of his sweet infantile world, he finds an ugly and repugnant habitat. This leads him to find solace within the dark confines of his own psyche. He befriends the negativities of his mind and eventually finds peace through sadistic meditation on the negatives of the world and within himself. This amalgamation of ideas is evident of the fact that Zulfiqar and the gang have been influenced by a variety of sources: nihilistic-existentialism, Buddhist philosophy, good ol’ rock n’ roll and above all life. For Pakistan, this is big. In a country where the threshold of lyrical genius is Billo and Sufi poetry (which has become so clichéd and commercialized, thanks to the loveable Junoon, that it has lost all essence of love and rebellion), these kids are bringing to the table something thoroughly unprecedented. The songs flow cohesively. The story flows and is masterfully crafted within each song. The tale of the tormented protagonist is clear. It is reminiscent of the protagonist from Pink Floyd’s rock opera The Wall, insofar as the theme of alienation is concerned. However, it is improbable that there is a single source of influence for these young rockers. The protagonist can also be said to resemble Buddha, insofar as his journey out of his sweet but false infantile world, his rude awakening and reaching the state of nirvana is concerned. But, he is not quite Gautama. Although he makes the ultimate realization that the world is ugly, however nirvana is achieved not through self-sacrifice but through him seeking refuge within his own ‘bad’ side. The spirits of old existentialists smile fondly from the parallel dimension. Irtiqa is indeed a nice amalgamation of various ideas, philosophies and human emotions; a welcome change from boy-band antics of Haroon and Fakhir, the mindless commercialism of Junoon and the filminess of Strings. Creating such a thing arguably requires a lot more effort and initiative. It will not be an exaggeration to say that this album is a labour of love; a claim that is only strengthened by Zulfiqar’s workaholic nature and his “madness about making things possible in (his) own way”. It is true that EP and their ideas have come a long way from Hamein Aazma, their debut over a year ago. It got them to the finals of the Pepsi Battle of the Bands, where they lost to another rock act Aaroh. This success strengthened their resolve to make themselves and their ideas heard on a wider basis. However, they did not shy away from their experimental side. Now, looking back Hamein Aazma sounds more commercial than anything else on the album. This is only evidence of EP’s commitment and faithfulness to their art and ideas.

Track List

Aghosh
Barzakh
Fitrat
Hamein
Hamesha
Irtiqa
Irtiqa II
Irtiqa III
Kahan Hai Tu
Rahguzar
Waqt

Rating 4/5