Live: Avail, The Raghu Dixit Project, Parikrama, Pentagram @ Rock On For Humanity

Rock On For Humanity had plenty of cynics. Heck, the gig was called ‘Rock On For Humanity’. But here’s the deal. If it takes charity to get top bands together on an outdoor stage with brilliant sound and confetti, then here’s your opportunity promoters. Bring out your ‘Save Darfur’ and ‘Save Bombay’ t-shirts, cozy up with some Bollywood celebs and you’re guaranteed a well sponsored, well executed and well liked gig.

While the motive may have been lost when Javed Akhtar appeared on stage pimping Indian Idol (a whole post dedicated to just that, very soon), Rock On For Humanity must stand as one of the few landmark gigs where independent musicians played to a large crowd (one that booed Zayed Khan off stage) with great media visibility (get your spelling right Bombay Times) and much appreciation from the biggest entertainment industry in Asia.

Also, Saif Ali Khan has promised a movie called Rock Star, but more on that later.

Unfortunately, traffic was responsible for the absence of Something Relevant, Dream Out Loud, Them Clones and Shaa’ir + Func from this review. Head downstairs for Avial, The Raghu Dixit Project, Parikrama (with and without Saif Ali Khan), Pentagram, pics and plenty of Indiecisions.

Avial

Avial have, since their change in lineup and the MySpace launch gig in Mumbai, been pretty nondescript. They played a tight, 3-song set that included their single ‘Nada Nada’ and won over the south Indian crowd contingent, which was sizeable and vociferous. I’ve come to like Tony John on vocals, but he always seems sleepy.

Indiecision: B

The Raghu Dixit Project

Raghu Dixit gives off this very likeable, Mr Nice Guy vibe and he uses it to great effect to win over an audience. Even when, as was visible, he is slightly nervous. The band previewed a new song from an album that will come out… whenever it will come out, and were very amiable. RDP really works in this sort of outdoor setting and their act is fun, tight and enjoyable. Unlike VJ Sophie.

Indiecision: B+

Parikrama (without Saif Ali Khan)

Parikrama need to do something. Anything. Their ‘original’ music isn’t very imaginative and their stage act borders between just boring and somebody hit me with some real AC/DC.

Indiecision: C+

Parikrama (with Saif Ali Khan)

Oh dear.

Indiecision: C

Pentagram

Pentagram know live music. And they play it well. It was (pleasantly) surprising that they chose to close with ‘Drive’ instead of ‘Voice’.

Indiecision: B+