The Gig - Strings In Concert

Indipop has come a long way from the times when we had overaged women trying hard to reveal plunging necklines. Now we have underaged women trying hard to reveal plunging necklines. Not only of other girls, but sometimes their own, too. That's the definition of Indipop these days.

But occasionally, there are bands that spit back all the spiteful comments that the critics make about Indipop, with added zip. Strings is one of those bands. This talented band has swept aside a lot of skepticism about the future of Indipop with its wonderful tunes.

A soothing voice, echoes of a sitar, cloud-like sounds produced by the keyboard and a jamming guitar combine to create Strings, a two-man band, that sings about love and life. Theirs is a fusion of rock and pop, and mixes sounds of the East.

Strings, formed in 1989 by Bilal Maqsood (keyboard) and Kapudia (vocals), became the first Pakistani band to have an online record deal. The band uses the sitar, keyboards, drums, guitars and serenading lyrics to compose soothing songs. Compared with other contemporary acts, Strings is unique for its lyrical choices. Most of its songs are about love and everyday life.

"When I say 'rock', I mean we use a lot of riffs and power chords, and when I say 'pop', I mean a lot of keyboards, synthesized sounds and drum loops. I think it's a good combination of both," Maqsood, the vocalist, says. Maqsood and Kapadia said that Irish band U2 was fundamental to their musical influences in terms of outlook.

They'll be gigging for the first time in Hyderabad. Catch this really talented band doing what they do best.

Please contact Suresh Arun at 98493-03801 for further details.