Urusan Aizat Amdan****

In another clear example that not winning do not necessarily equate to failure if the talent is undeniable (read: Faizal Tahir), another reality star has steadily but surely increased in stature to become a reputable force in the local music industry.

That Aizat, the AF Season 5 alumni, would be rising star that he is today has indeed surprised many (he only lasted up to week seven). Yet his success is  deservedly so: witness the breakout hits ‘Kau Aku’ and ‘Hanya Kau Yang Mampu’ from his first effort, (literally titled) Percubaan Pertama. Riding on the latest trend of online  distribution, these songs hit the right nerve with the tween and the socially connected generation, as as a result has been legally downloaded an outstanding 1.3 million (and counting) times, a record that translates into real mega-bucks. His debut album also served up with other smash singles, Lagu Kita and Fikirlah. And, after a good showing in two successive Anugerah Juara Lagu finals, anticipation is sky high for his sophomore effort.

Clearly that is what on this young artistes’ mind when releasing the follow-up URUSAN AIZAT AMDAN. From its creative title and packaging, to the thoughtful song-writing and impeccable production, the self financed album speaks of progression and musical acumen that betrays his age. Tonally, the seven track album more mature than that his debut, with influences from Brit and alt-rock acts that are his inspirations more forthcoming. The addition of two English tracks further expands his repertoire to surprising results.

The album kicks of with YEARS FROM NOW, the excellent upbeat opener with a an intriguing introspective underbelly: here Aizat boldly contemplates his future career and life direction right of the bat! With the 70’s-esque strings and unmistakable ‘pah-rup-pup pah’ backing vocals, the song sounds surprisingly fresh unlike anything on the current radio waves. On the next song, Aizat tempers the mood with the MANA OH MANA, a simmering ballad of yearning love and builds into rock out crescendo. Here, Aizat performs his best vocal delivery, easily displaying his range and is bound to be another hit.

Perhaps the only slight in the album it is the songs SENYUM, which is a tad laidback and does not quite jive with the rest of the collection. Meanwhile, the message of hope in ERTI HARI INI conjures an almost Scorpions ‘Wind of Change’ –like moment in its positivity.

Aizat is always known to be sempoi (i.e. cheeky and easy-going) and the absolutely delightful SUSUN SILANG KATA is best representative if this trait. This jazzy and joyful first single is highly addictive and is sure to put a spring in the step of the listener. Contrast that breeziness with the stark EMOTIONS, the most sophisticated and accomplished track in the whole album. While its a slow burner, but as the title suggests belays deep feelings, menacing almost, of love gained and lost. The arrangement is sparse and subdued befitting Aizat’s delicate, melancholic vocal delivery interspersed with lush sweeping strings towards the end. Definitely the best track in the entire set. The album then bookends with SUNGAI LUI, another excellent rock-ballad that melds into an all out stadium anthem towards the end.

Like the title of the album, Urusan truly reflects Aizat’s artistic vision and song-writing gift with clarity and confidence. This highly listenable set portends a higher level of song-writing and production Aizat is capable of that this listener hopes he will explore more in future endeavours. Percubaan kedua yang cemerlang!

TRACKLIST

1. Years From Now (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan)*****
2. Mana oh Mana (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan)****1/2
3. Senyum (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan)***
4. Erti Hari Ini (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan)***1/2
5. Susun Silang Kata (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan)*****
6. Emotions (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan) *****
7. Sungai Lui (Aizat Amdan, Anas Amdan)****