Strings are known for their albums Duur and Dhaani, and then their stewardship of Coke Studio which we can cover in detail at another time. But to me their best, most daring work is their soundtrack for the film Moor, directed by their long time collaborator Jami.

Without the burden of producing a Strings album, Bilal and Faisal it appears were freed to explore a range of genres. The extreme popularity of the sound of Dhaani made it hard for Strings to break out of its mold, because anything different could feel like a disappointment. This seems to be substantiated by Koi Aanay Wala Hai, Strings’ third studio album after their rebirth in 2000 (there were some releases in the early 1990s with a different lineup). Koi Aanay Wala Hai was edgier, the choruses were less catchy, the songs overall more melancholic and the guitar tones a little more distorted. I like Koi Aanay Wala Hai, but it struggled to do much for Strings. 30, their latest studio album is set in the mold of Dhaani. In a way it’s a step backwards, but I think Strings needed it. And their audience wanted it, so I have no real complaints.

This long preamble is to contextualize why the Moor soundtrack is different. Because not having to release it as a bunch of Strings songs meant that you can actually see some of Bilal and Faisal’s musical interests shine through. And with a host of collaborators (most of which then appeared on Coke Studio 7 with Strings), the album has a variety that befits the film.

Jogiya is my favorite of the lot:

As a bonus I also really love this song that actually does have Strings listed as the artist. It’s perfectly Strings.