What made Kaaktaal’s journey so special and memorable

The first time I heard Kaaktaal live, hundreds of people crowded my former school's auditorium under the bright lights. The second occasion was far more intimate, with a small-scale audience sitting on the floor of an indoor venue as the band mesmerised everyone with their art. Despite the sheer disparity in settings, there was something quietly magical about two men with their guitar, flute, and unparalleled storytelling.

Such has been the defining nature of Kaaktaal, a collaborative musical effort — primarily made up of Asif "AiA Lemonsky" Iqbal and Nazm Anwr — that is as spontaneous and unassuming as its name suggests. However, like their art and growth in the scene, the band announced an indefinite hiatus and a step back from music out of the blue on May 17. The announcement was concise and honest, stating that "the journey needs to stop here, because it's losing its peace."

In a way, this decision was cathartic for both the group and their fans. Kaaktaal was never one to chase fame. In the past year alone, they published about 20 new songs, but there were hardly any major marketing campaigns or advertisements that followed any of their releases. Instead, it felt as though they were meant to be savoured at the moment, like fleeting conversations. They simply existed, and in doing so, found their way into people's hearts when they needed it the most.

Take their single "Shohosha" from their latest album, KaaktaalRaw Volume 06, for example. With a soothing backdrop of a simple guitar riff, AiA explores a deeply introspective trip of feeling lost in an abruptly changing world — a feeling that hits close to home for many. In "Ghorchara", one of their earliest singles, the group reminisces the scattered memories of their childhood and the place they grew up in. It also talks about the painful trial of stepping out of a place for good and leaving behind a displaced part of yourself.

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The sound of resistance: Songs that came out during the student movement

While Kaaktaal's discography features a vast catalogue of emotionally resonant songs, they've never shied away from creating resistance through music either. During the student-led uprising last year, they released "Rokto Gorom Matha Thanda" to call out everyone complicit in the systemic, widespread violence caused by the former regime.

But the one aspect that makes Kaaktaal's journey all the more memorable is, perhaps, the simplicity and down-to-earth nature of their arrangements. Musically, they thrived on making songs that had minimal distractions. AiA's guitar laid the foundation, Nazm's flute added a transportative calmness, and percussionist Joven carried the rhythm section with grace. 

Live shows weren't different either as they were often small, intimate, and unpolished by design. The band didn't rely on big productions or flashy presentations as the music did all the talking. Clever and intentional medleys, alternate arrangements, and unplugged versions — these were all trademarks of any Kaaktaal show, giving the audience a completely unique experience each time.

On a more personal level, I feel dejected at the band's hiatus. It's difficult to explain the excitement of seeing a sudden YouTube notification from the band at midnight or the thrill of watching them perform live again and again. But deep down, I'm glad that they stayed true to their promise of making music for as long as the music didn't leave them. Now, all I can hope is that one day, they regain as much peace in creating music as I — and many others — found in listening to it. 

Join Ayaan as he sobs on the floor while listening to "Chorki" at [email protected]