Umair Succeeds in Breaking Ground with New Album ‘ROCKSTAR WITHOUT A GUITAR’

Umair’s debut album, ROCKSTAR WITHOUT A GUITAR, makes a bold statement. It combines genres and creatively tells personal stories. Every song on the album is a mix of different sounds and styles, reflecting the young producer’s vision for the project from beginning to end.

The album’s opening track, “COMPETITION & CURRENCY,” featuring Talha Anjum sets the tone by expressing a sense of catharsis, acknowledging that there are things the rapper couldn’t previously articulate. He then declares his return to the mic, emphasizing that his absence wasn’t a sign of weakness but rather a strategic move. The reference to ‘meh-kaday ka’ signifies a place of solitude or contemplation, hinting at a period of introspection and growth. The artist also delves into the dichotomy between heart and mind, suggesting that while his heart is aware of his true path, his intellect may struggle to comprehend it fully. He reflects on the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of what lies beyond, juxtaposed with the purity of his own intentions.

Each track of this album feels like a chapter in a story, with themes of self-discovery, ambition and perseverance woven throughout. Despite it being his first album, Umair showcases a level of maturity and assurance that surpasses his experience, leaving audiences excited for his future endeavors.

What makes ROCKSTAR WITHOUT A GUITAR even more remarkable are the solid features—Umair’s collaboration with 24 prominent artists from India and Pakistan. Personalities like Seedhe Maut, KR$NA, Hasan Raheem, Natasha Noorani, Abdul Hannan, and Shamoon Ismail bring their distinct styles and viewpoints to the project. Take, for example, “OBVIOUS” featuring Raheem, where the lyrics explore the complexities of love and heartache, portraying the emotions of being ensnared in a relationship yet unable to break free. Meanwhile, the instrumentals offer a smooth yet pulsating rhythm that imparts a sense of drive and immediacy. As the track unfolds, the beat intensifies with the addition of sharp percussion elements like hi-hats, snappy snares, and punchy kicks. These rhythmic components propel the song forward, infusing it with energy and groove.

In “FELONY,” featuring Calm from the hip-hop duo Seedhe Maut, Talhah Yunus and Faris Shafi, the themes of loyalty, companionship, and self-assurance are explored alongside the lifestyle associated with fame and achievement. The opening lines, “No new friends, poora gang chalay saath,” underscore the value of staying true to one’s existing circle of friends. The protagonist expresses affection and commitment to their close companions, emphasizing the depth of their connection. The track’s beats exude a raw and forceful aura that complements its intense and dynamic ambiance. Layers of distorted synths and atmospheric effects are introduced to enrich the beat, providing dimension and richness. These electronic elements contribute to the song’s sombre and tense atmosphere, instilling a feeling of anticipation and suspense. Throughout “FELONY,” the beats undergo subtle changes and shifts, ensuring listener engagement and enhancing the track’s momentum. Well-placed drops and breakdowns serve to heighten anticipation and emphasize pivotal moments in the track.

One of the standout songs, ‘INTENTIONS’, a personal favorite of Umair’s, as he mentioned to Rolling Stone India, perfectly showcases his style. This track combines R&B/pop vocals from Natasha Noorani with rap verses from JJ47, all set against an experimental garage beat. The outcome is a song that strikes a balance between familiarity and innovation, offering a banging listening experience. It highlights Umair’s talent for flawlessly integrating different musical elements to create an interesting sound.

On the track “REFUNDS” featuring KR$NA and Rap Demon, the beats are characterized by a smooth and laid-back vibe, creating a relaxed and atmospheric mood as the two rappers throw bars about themes of success, resilience and self-assurance, as well as the challenges and pressures that come with it. The repeated phrase “Stadium toh bhar digge ghume jaddo balla” evokes imagery of grandeur and triumph, suggesting that the speaker has risen to the top of their field and is now enjoying the fruits of their labor. The line “Mawaan di duawaan baaki khair rakhe allah” reflects a sense of gratitude and humility, acknowledging the role of divine blessings in their success while also wishing well for others. As the track progresses, Umair introduces additional layers of instrumentation, such as gentle guitar riffs and atmospheric textures, adding richness and complexity to the beat. 

In essence, ROCKSTAR WITHOUT A GUITAR provides a thrilling journey for listeners, catering to a wide range of tastes. Certain tracks are crafted in a manner that once they conclude, there’s an immediate desire to hit replay.

ROCKSTAR WITHOUT A GUITAR is available to stream on all platforms.