And now, after almost 11 years, one of the favourite contemporary musicians of Bangladesh, Balam, is making a grand comeback with his first-ever solo album in more than a decade, titled Maula.
To be released with the next Eid al-Fitr (by this month-end), the album has generated excitement among old-school fans who have been awaiting a full-fledged project since his last Bhubon (2013).
Six Tracks, Six Styles
Per insiders familiar with the artist, Maula will include six different songs, spread across various musical genres, for a wide emotional and sonic palette. However, despite a variety of sounds being explored, Balam is said to have focused heavily on melody, in line with the latter approach that dominated his early solo work.
“Portions of composition and arrangement are already done for most songs, including the title track, Maula,” says the artist.
Why an Album After So Long?
Balam released a statement about the new project, slightly more optimistic for the future than his last: “This is an album titled ‘Commitment’, and that is exactly it.
“This album is actually planned because the music is back in my life, and now I really mean to do something with it. I released a couple of singles over the last few years, and I have learnt it’s tough to give people what they expect out of you with one song at a time.”
An album allows an artist more creative space, he said:
“An album can contain various styles, from which an artist can appeal to different types of listeners, and for the listener, it is also possible to hear a variety all at once.
In the current milieu of the music industry, which favours single-track releases over albums for maximum streaming gains, Balam’s choice to return with a full-length effort reads as quite the bold artistic move — one that resonates with listeners who still appreciate storytelling and variety in their complete musical products.
Balam Handles Composition and Arrangement
An unusual do-it-all creative effort, it’s Balam alone who composed and arranged every piece—an even more personal stroke for the project. But he has not revealed the names of his lyricists yet: that secret will be kept until closer to the release.
Music Video on the Way
Though the album is largely an audio treat, there is a visual treat in store too, as Esheber herself will be releasing one of its songs as a music video during the Eid al-Fitr period.
A Milestone Fifth Album
With Maula, Balam will be releasing his fifth solo album. His previous solo albums include:
Balam (2007)
Balam 2 (2008)
Balam 3 (2010)
Bhubon (2013)
These albums were a defining chapter in contemporary Bangladeshi pop and alternative music for many listeners, who experienced Maula not just as a new album but also as an act of nostalgia and cultural worthiness.
A Comeback Fans Have Craved
With Eid in sight, Maula promises to be one of the most anticipated music releases this season. Whether it revitalises the archetypal Balam groove or announces an inspired new musical reincarnation, one thing is for sure: August has been a month to make in 2015!!
