Noori () is a Pakistani rock band from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, formed in 1996. The group was formed by songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist, Ali Noor, along with his younger brother Ali Hamza, who were soon joined by bassist Muhammad Ali Jafri and drummer Salman Albert. Since the inception of the band, there has been many changes in the line-up; the only consistent members being brothers, Ali Noor and Ali Hamza. The band has produced songs such as "Suno Ke Mein Hoon Jawaan" and the epic "Manwa Re".
History
Early years (1998 – 2002) The name of the band, Noori, is not derived from Ali Noor, lead vocalist and guitarist. Noori is a Persian word which means "light" and the concept behind the band was the light which shows you things with a different perspective.
Noori started seven years before their first album Suno Ke Main Hun Jawan which was released in 2003. Before Noori, Ali Noor and Muhammad Ali Jaffri worked with co-VEN and released an EP called Not In Your World. Noori has been known for its live acts.
Debut studio album, Suno Ke Mein Hun Jawan and rise to fame (2002–2005) Noori's debut album, Suno Ke Main Hun Jawan developed a cult following before the album's release in 2003 through leaks on the Internet. It offered a complicated mix of sounds, starting from a folk-like "Manwa Re" that was actually written for a Pakistani film, to hard rock anthems to youth like the title track. Noori's debut album created whirlwinds across the Urdu-speaking community all over the world. A first of its kind, it introduced the genre of pop rock music to the Pakistani mainstream. In addition, the album was also a departure from the beaten track of chummy love songs and focused instead on inspiring the youth of Pakistan to take up the responsibility of doing something worthwhile for themselves and others. Thematically with songs urging listeners to change the world, that life is beautiful and professing women empowerment. Their album was about youth, their innocence, their dreams and how they feel about life. After their album release in 2003, they performed a duet, "Nayan Jahan", with Anaida which was a success.
Second studio album Peeli Patti Aur Raja Jani Ki Gol Dunya (2005–2007)
Their second album was a follow-up on where Suno Ke Main Hun Jawan left off. It talked about what happens when the ever so energetic and hopeful youth grows up and faces the realities of the world. The discontentment and suffering which arises in this growing up create an indifferent and self-centered individual, who finds escape routes in things like drugs and other short-lived pleasures. Titled Peeli Patti Aur Raja Jani Ki Gol Dunya, the album started off in a somewhat hopeful mood and then travels through bitter experiences and ends up with resigned despair, peppered with taunts. The album dealt with a variety of subjects ranging from the problems and consequences of drug use to the collective apathy we all have descended into as individuals and as a society.
In 2005, Muhammad Ali Jafri, who was playing bass guitar for Noori, left the band and started his own business. In 2006, Noori parted ways with Louis J. Pinto (Gumby), the band's drummer.
"Do Dil" and appearances in Coke Studio (2008–2010)
In 2008, after a hiatus of almost two years, Noori came back with their new single "Do Dil".
In 2009, they performed at the Coke Studio Sessions along with artists like Atif Aslam, Zeb and Haniya, Ali Zafar, Saeen Zahoor and many other successful musicians. They performed a duet with Saeen Zahoor, "Aik Alif", a Sufi rock song which was huge success. They also performed in the third episode of Coke Studio Sessions with their song "Jo Meray" which was performed in the format as it was originally composed by Ali Hamza in 2000. They performed "Sari Raat Jaga" on the fourth Coke Studio Session. On 14 August 2009, Noori performed "Kedaar" from their upcoming album at the last Coke Studio Session.