Dark post-pop meets mystic musings. The Berklee educated vocalist of Pakistani origin, Arooj Aftab, brings forth her debut album Bird Under Water. Echoes of Pakistan’s Sufi musical heritage intertwines with neo-soul, jazz and contemporary influences in this eclectic collection of tracks...

Bird Under Water is the impressive debut album of Arooj Aftab. Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, Aftab moved to the US in 2005 to study Music Production and Engineering at the Berklee College of Music. Having completed her studies, Aftab moved to New York where she currently resides.

The album beautifully fuses traditional Pakistani sounds with a more western slant. 'Lullaby' is easily this album's most mainstream western track... and if you're new to Aftab's world (she's been performing for the past eight years) then this is where you'd be advised to start if you think you're going to need to be eased into the music.

It's a beautiful album, with plenty of stand out moments. If you're looking for something a little different, something incredibly mellow to relax to, then you should check this out.

8

Nick Smithson