(This article is sponsored by Sounds of India)

Challenging the hegemony of religious orthodoxy and crusading against communal and national divisions, Junoon (meaning Frenzy in Urdu) urges a whole generation of South Asians to practice a form of personal and musical piety. Their songs are rants against meaningless ritualism and religious extremism.

While their earlier albums have been an eclectic mixture of western rock and traditional Punjabi and Urdu folk melodies, their latest effort, 'Deewar' hints at loftier aspirations. From the bluesy Pappu Yaar to the soft strains of Khwab, the album suggests a coming of age of this talented group. The message remains the same -- of hope and reconciliation.

Most of the songs out of the thirteen tracks in this album. are co-written by Sabir Zafar and Salman Ahmed. Salman makes a foray into vocals with three songs 'Hungama', 'Balaama' and 'Khawab 2003'. He joins Ali Azmat in 'Baarish' and 'Maza Zindagi Ka'. This switching of roles bodes well for the group as the album sounds fresh and innovative. Ali's music on 'Sapnay' and 'Taara Jala' is noteworthy.

'Pappu Yaar' (an index finger salute to the band's detractors), is climbing the music charts worldwide and is a clear winner with its Reggae rock exuberance. Another innovative track is 'Ghoom Tana' with guest vocals from Ali Noor.

The classic track Khwab 2003 is my personal favorite with Salman's vocals especially pleasing to the ears. Garaj Baras in another number that begs repeated playing. Salman's mastery of the guitar is eminently evident in this song. Besides, rumor has it that Garaj Baras has been selected for the soundtrack of a Hindi Film.

The romantic Taara Jala and Hungama break no new grounds music wise but are fun to listen to, as is Jhoole Lal a typical Junoon style Sufi Rock number.

Yeh Maza Zindagi is a bit of a disappointment but the rest of the album should please the finickiest of Junoonis worldwide.

Junoon comprises of lead guitarist and composer Salman Ahmad, lead vocalist Ali Azmat, and Brian O'Connel who plays bass guitar. Junoon's first hit song, in the spring of 1996, was 'Jazb-e Junnoon' (The Spirit of Passion), Pakistan's Official song of the 1996 Cricket World Cup, 'Ehtesaab'(Accountability), which mocked politics and those in power, came in 1997. Their albums have been very popular all over the world, particularly in India: 'Junoon' (1991), 'Talaash'(1993), 'Inquilaab', 'Kashmakash'(1997), 'Azadi'(1997), 'Parvaaz'(1999), The Millennium Edition 1990-2000 (2000), Ishq (2001) and Daur-e-Junoon (2002). Junoon has played its message of peace and harmony at the United Nations and Salman Ahmed was recognized as a UN Ambassador of Peace.

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