Their debut album ‘Revolutionize the Revolutionary’ is at the brink of release this season.
In the beginning
Flashback 2005. Somewhere in Dubai, Nik meets Johann, says hello, handshake gesture, rounds of chit chat and then pop went the question “what’s your point of view?” (Seems like a Guy Ritchie screenplay?) I reckon so. If you go through their lyrics, it should be obvious why they call themselves Point Of View (POV). I guess it’s not just because they have their viewpoint but they also acknowledge the same on a collective level. The lyrics are about global awareness transcending to deliver messages of hope, not your regular history book syllabi.
The line-up
Murtaza and Royden give an ambidextrous view to the band as they are respectively left and right-handed. Raunchy riffs, piercing solos, sound samples and apt melodic transitions reflect their complementary style of guitar playing. Chiro, Mr Percussion of POV, pretty much makes human errors seem like a thing of the past when it comes to beating the dust out the kit with precision and know-how. Under his guidance, the poor kit must have a point of view as well. Johann does a six-string bass and quite a swell job on the groove. If your head goes nod-nod on their tracks, you now know who to look at. Nik Uzi is not your regular open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine gun but the man is a human synonym of the same when it comes to jettisoning the ammo off his vocal pipes. Take a listen and I am sure you will have a similar POV.
Their big break
The band’s first big achievement came when they were shortlisted for SHAMAL in 2006 to open for the legendary Iron Maiden and they haven’t turned back. Successfully juggling day jobs, family concerns and the passion for making music, the band has managed to stay together, despite some initial and necessary early line-up changes, and bring to fruition a dream project.
The debut album
The album ‘Revolutionize the Revolutionary’ consists of 11 tracks showcasing the bands diverse skills. The album previews within the studio perimeters have been great with some very credible sources in the international rock music industry praising their work. Releasing alongside the album is the global release of the first music video for their song ‘3rd Eye’. They have released a radio single ‘Unreal’ which can be streamed either on their Reverbnation page or Facebook page.
Gigging around town
Corporately, POV has also been responsible for working on the creation of the Khaleej Times theme music and a song inspired by the Dubai Metro. The band has contributed charitable performances at venues like ‘The Shelter’. Having drawn inspiration in music spanning from the 70s to date, they also dedicate tributes to some of their favourites like Pink Floyd, The Police, Mr Big and Dream Theater among others. POV regular haunts are Dubai venues such as The Music Room, Central Perk, Touch, Malecon, The Ratsky Club, Rockwell Pub, The Jam Jar, American University of Dubai and Wafi Roof Top, and they have also played the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 main stage.
POV is currently doing their homework on the second album and one can only see them soar higher if they get about in this fashion.
Check band information and tracks at www.facebook.com/pointofviewdubai and www.reverbnation.com/pointofviewdubai
By Shakil Haque
