“Tell Them Not To Look For Me” is out now: Sabrina Pirzada takes a risk with her first album and achieves a majestic fusion
Sabrina Pirzada is a multi-talented individual who has worked in various fields before becoming a full-time musician. She has held jobs as a waitress, executive assistant, student, barista, and science communicator. Despite her diverse experiences, Sabrina's true passion lies in music. Sabrina is an unapologetic lover of comfort food, with a particular fondness for chicken strips, fries, and mac n' cheese. She is also a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and has been known to shed a tear or two at his concerts.
Philosophy and economics are two subjects that Sabrina is deeply interested in, and she hopes to use her music to make the world a better place. However, she admits that she is still figuring out exactly how to do that.
She is releasing her debut album, Tell Them Not To Look For Me, made up of 10 songs, where she mixed radically eclectic musical influences and the result is retro ambient dream rock punctuated with Americana ballads about unrequited love and some other deep feelings and beautiful musings on the state of human emotion in the current era.
In Sabrina's words, this whole thing started when she got her first electric guitar at 14 and didn’t put it down all summer. “Pretty soon I discovered Bruce Springsteen and I fell in love with the way he told stories and decided that I wanted to tell my stories too”.
Tell Them Not To Look For Me is a mesmerizing journey through ethereal soundscapes and soulful storytelling, released during a time when many longed for emotional depth in music, Pirzada's heartfelt lyrics and haunting melodies create an intimate connection with listeners.
Pirzada's dreamy vocals effortlessly convey a sense of wonder and longing, while the gentle instrumentation weaves a delicate web of emotions. Throughout the album, her lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of love, evoking feelings of both nostalgia and hope.
The album opens up with “Countin' Down to Midnight.” A song with lyrics that exude a warm and nostalgic charm, painting a vivid picture of a love that transcends time. The opening lines set the stage for a tale of an all-encompassing love that has been patiently waiting to be discovered. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, capturing the joy of finding that special someone who electrifies every moment and brings out the best in the narrator.
"You Put the Rock n' Roll Back" is another delightful and nostalgic tribute to the golden era of jazz, blues, and rock. Particularly, the one that likes me the most. The track's instrumentation is a masterful blend of classic elements, complete with soulful guitar riffs, a pulsating rhythm section, and an infectious groove that channels the spirit of past music heyday. Her voice in it, exudes a raw and authentic passion, instantly drawing listeners in. The lyrics pay homage to the power of music and its ability to transport us to a different era and heal us. So, whether you're a die-hard rock fan or simply someone who appreciates good music, this song is sure to put a smile on your face and a swing in your step.
“(It Doesn't Matter) Where I Die” is another piece whose highest value lies in the depth of its lyrics and the call for attention to value what is really essential in life. In it, it is very interesting that at times you forget the music and you just let yourself be carried away by Sabrina's voice, which is the one that guides the whole experience.
“This record is about a lot of things” – Sabrina said on her website, at the time she adds that “mostly, it’s about going all in. Tell Them Not To Look For Me is like, ‘Damn the torpedoes. Forget the obstacles. Let’s proceed.’ It’s an examination of questions like, “What things are worth risking everything for? What are the things that have real value? To what lengths am I willing to go for that? What am I willing to bear and why? What good can I make out of this? What is my job?” It’s about deciding what that is and going all in for it”.
The EP's production is commendable, striking the right balance between honoring the vintage jazz–blues–rock sound and adding some modern sensibilities. Even though there is a variety of sound textures, lyrics, and instrumentation in each of the 10 songs, the listener is never lost. There is always the certainty that you are listening to a whole work, and this, at least in this case, greatly helps the listener to immerse themselves in the record and fully navigate it.
This production is definitely a highly recommended EP for anyone seeking a heartfelt and atmospheric musical experience that lingers long after the final notes have faded away. So sorry Sabrina, but we will be looking for you.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Mariana González – Venezuelan journalist
I am interested in novelty, talent and creativity. I put my lyrics at the service of those who genuinely strive to build an alternate narrative about the common and humdrum. Rival Magazine has been the open window to put a face on emerging talent.