Keep the FAITH!

I don’t like the way most music critics use long, fruity images to describe the bands they're writing about, but since I have to fill this article up somehow, here goes. I spoke to my dad on the phone. He asked what I was up to. I told him I was going out to a show. I always feel a bit odd telling my dad I'm going out to a show, because I believe he thinks I'm always on a date and desperately looking. Perhaps I don't give him enough credit. He immediately reacts "So who are you seeing?" I tell him FAITH. "The winners of independence rock 2006..." "They are great." "Yes they are," I said with a smile. Like I said, I don't give DAD the credit he deserves.

I assume that lots of people who normally wouldn't know FAITH can remember IROCK 2006. FAITH was formed in the year 2004 when Deepu (bassist n bandleader) met Tariq a well known guitarist of the city and planned to do some original music which they called ASSAMESE ROCK. But this is not about the band’s bio so; I reached Aura, Hira Nandani around 9.15 pm. It was a Deep Purple tribute gig organised by B.R.A. (Bombay Rock Association)

It was IIT Bombay’s Black Pumpkin who opened the event. Weirdly, the band gave too much of importance to their origin (IIT) than the songs and performance. I must say it was a little strange watching these guys. Anyways, shi* happens! I swear to God, I am not giving Black Pumpkin a bad review here. I think what I'm trying to say is that I'm not the target audience for this brand of band. This is the band for the young, and since I’m 30, I should keep my angst to myself. Forget what I said – just read my review of FAITH:

It was the time for FAITH. Needless to say, FAITH is something of a miracle in the Indian Rock scene. This was my first FAITH gig so I didn't know exactly what to expect. Although I knew there will be too much of Deep Purple and some originals. FAITH didn't take any chances and opened with Deep Purple’s "Hush." The crowd rose to the occasion, screaming back the lyrics and sending the band on an hour-long set. The second number they performed was "Perfect Stranger" – and it sounded splendid. FAITH's performance was untiring, honest and inspirational, rare in an age of poseurs and one-hit wonders. They did their own modified version of Soldier of Fortune and Eye of a Tiger which was very well accepted by the crowd.

FAITH has achieved a sizeable level of popularity and success in the Indian Rock scene with virtually no support from radio, TV, or the Press. FAITH's gig at Aura gave a further proof of this and though I've seen half-a-dozen B.R.A shows before, but, something about this show made me realize just how awesome a live band they are.
The crowd was good. Loads of teenagers with their cover charged beer in hand and also some old Rocker friends. Kudos to B.R.A for the great show! After a very long time it felt just like the old Razz days. Good to see Sujeet Ramanna hosting the show in his favourite, “screw the swine flu” spirit!

R.A.