ince May of this year, Cape Monze Records, a Karachi-based indie music label, has been committed to releasing music regularly, starting with a terrific song by Tarbooze. They’ve kept their promise, especially for indie artists seeking platforms beyond Spotify. Now, they present a unique collaboration: mainstream star Natasha Noorani joins forces with Lahore’s genre-defying producer MALIK.

The answer to what these powerhouse artists (who both slayed Boiler Room 2022 solo) aimed to achieve lies within the title itself – a clever wordplay. “In Urdu, ‘2hi2’ sounds like ‘Tu Hee Tu,’ which loosely translates to ‘Only You.’

This phrase becomes the catchy hook and central theme. It all starts with dreamy vocals, fuzzy synths, and a wispy woodwind melody, building a textured atmosphere. Then, a driving breakbeat kicks in, propelling the song forward. This energy explodes into a jittery bassline as Noorani’s smoky voice delivers pleading verses, seemingly directed at a loved one,” noted a press statement.

MALIK. injects soul into the frenzy with his signature glitchy, high-octane production. Think Nia Archives and Machinedrum, but with a twist. He weaves a sonic tapestry that blends the smooth flow of old-school Jungle with the frenetic energy of DnB, adding a dash of modern breakcore’s glitchy chaos. Counterbalancing this is Noorani’s voice. Her plaintive melodies channel both classic and contemporary Urdu pop, echoing her signature ‘Lolly-pop’ style – a playful homage to Pakistan’s film industry, Lollywood.

‘2hi2’ is a rollercoaster ride for your ears. It builds and subsides dramatically, keeping you hooked with unexpected twists and layered soundscapes. This club banger is a perfect showcase for the unique styles of Lahore’s underground scene, with flourishes highlighting the powerful voices of Noorani and MALIK.

Driving drum and bass? Check. ‘2h12’ is a pulsating genre-bender written by Natasha Noorani and produced by the masterful MALIK., with additional production by Akash. Neendart and MALIK. teamed up for the artwork, perfectly capturing the track’s energy.

Both Noorani and MALIK. boast impressive back catalogues – dig in and discover more. There’s a whole world of phenomenal Pakistani music beyond TV soundtracks, Spotify playlists and Coke Studio.

Cape Monze Records champions these hidden gems, and ‘2hi2’ is another prime example of their dedication to fostering a thriving local music scene.

Cape Monze Records is more than just a label; they’re champions of Pakistan’s indie scene. By amplifying artists like Noorani and MALIK., they cultivate a vibrant space for fresh sounds. Their dedication to diverse musical voices ensures innovative, boundary-breaking music thrives. ‘2hi2’ is a testament to this vision, proving the immense talent bubbling beneath the surface in Pakistan’s local music community.