Kaaktaal Announces Indefinite Hiatus, Clarifies It's "Not a Breakup"

Fans stunned as breakout indie band steps back from the spotlight after four electrifying years.

In a surprise announcement that sent ripples through the Bangladeshi music community, popular indie band Kaaktaal declared an indefinite hiatus via a social media post late Saturday night, just hours after a performance at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).

The post, which read simply that the band “will no longer perform for an indefinite period,” triggered an outpouring of emotion from fans. Within 17 hours, the announcement had been shared over 6,000 times and drew thousands of comments—many pleading for the group’s return.

Best known for their genre-defying tracks like "Abar Dekha Holey," "Golokdhadha," and "Sodium," Kaaktaal emerged in the alternative scene about four years ago. With their poetic lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, they quickly carved out a loyal following among Bangladesh’s younger music lovers. 

During its critically acclaimed four-years-long journey, the band released six albums, including the "Kaaktaal Raw" series and "Karagarer Gaan (Karagar Versions)", reflecting their unique origins and evolving artistic vision. The band also released “Rokto Gorom Matha Thanda” and “Vorosha Ase” during the July Revolution in support of the movement.

But behind the stage lights and streaming numbers, the band had been quietly grappling with internal pressure. Speaking to a private newspaper, Asif Iqbal—the band’s founder and frontman, known onstage as AiA Lemonsky—explained that the decision had been made as a group and was not triggered by any singular event, including their final show at SUST.

“We make music for peace of mind,” Asif said. “Lately, we haven’t been finding that peace. There’s a growing pressure—not just from the audience, but from ourselves. And when music stops being fun, it loses its meaning.”

He emphasized that the hiatus does not mean the end of Kaaktaal, though he admits the break may be a long one.

“We’re not saying it’s forever—but it might be,” he said candidly. “Right now, we’re just taking time for ourselves. It’s the healthiest thing we can do.”

Rumours had swirled online suggesting that chaos at Saturday’s concert may have influenced the decision, but Asif dismissed that notion. Asif, who also writes and composes most of Kaaktaal’s songs, said he has no immediate plans to pursue a solo career either. Still processing the recent loss of his father, he shared that he’s been struggling to fully reconnect with music.

“If I don’t feel it, I won’t do it. And if I do feel it again, I’ll be back.”

Kaaktaal’s Lineup and Legacy

Kaaktaal’s unique sound was shaped by a diverse group of musicians:

• Asif Iqbal (AiA Lemonsky), lead vocalist, and played guitar
• Nazm Anwr, played the flute, clarinet, and melodica
• Alex Joven, played tabla & percussion
• Soumya Anindya Riddho, on bass guitar
• Antor, on keyboards
• Javed Haque, the band's manager
  
  

Together, they created a sonic blend that straddled rock, folk, electronic, and experimental genres—often described by fans as a breath of fresh air in the local scene.

Whether Kaaktaal will return remains uncertain. But for now, the silence they leave behind resonates as deeply as their music once did.

“We came together for the joy of it,” said Asif. “And maybe, someday, that joy will bring us back.”