It’s strange to review a music concert and to say that the only thing missing was silence. But, strangely enough, that’s exactly how I felt after spending two hours listening to Advaita at Kyra, Indiranagar. Probably because I was wayyyy too close to the speakers sitting right in the front :) Anyway, to the music….

Advaita call themselves ‘a psychedelic/eclectic fusion band from New Delhi’. With eight members, the stage is crowded and the potential to go wrong is huge. Someone missing a beat, someone playing a wrong note. But with Advaita – this is impossible. Musically – they are superb. Tight, professional, and skilled.

The gig started with Mukti - something I hadn’t heard before. Quite nice, quite tight – setting high expectations. However, a few songs later, things seemed to get repetitive. Very nice layering, very nice harmonies (Anindo and Chayan), very very nice Sarangi (Suhail Yusuf Khan) and very very very nice Hindustani vocals (Ujwal Nagar). Most of the songs started softly and developed into a feverish pitch with superb drumming by Aman Singh Rathore. However, there was nothing to differentiate one song from another. The tunes weren’t really the kind that would get stuck in my head and I’d be humming them hours later.

But then came Why, one of their more catchy songs in my opinion. Chayan’s sweet, sweet voice completely enthralled me, and the staple diet of good rock music that Abhishek, Aman and Anindo grew up listening to became obvious. After Why, Advaita became an immersive act.

Desert Rain had some excellent solos by all members. Suhail on Sarangi – amazing, Abhishek’s guitaring – the fluidity and the Indian classical touch and the lovely slightly off jazz notes – loved it! But who I loved the most was Gaurav Chintamini on bass. He made playing the bass look easy! Enough that I would go to the next shop, pick up a bass and assume I should be able to play as easily! Crazy riffs – throughout!

Other songs I liked – Gates of Dawn, song Chayan tried to make the audience sing rock style, and Light. Very powerful, very strong.

To some of the low points: Lyrics are weak. Vocals were used more as an instrument – to sound good but not say anything substantial. Thats my other problem with Advaita – the instrument layering is in such depth – that the vocals get completely lost. And no one seems to take the lead (aside from Suhail on Sarangi – on occassion). There is such equality among the instruments – that there is no pivotal focus point – which is quite important in a live performance (in my opinion).

Then the tabla player was doing what? I don’t know. He was dancing/head bopping to the music more often then playing tabla. I think he could have definitely played a more prominent role.

Then the hindustani singer – he has an amazing voice – could definitely be to sing more than nice sounding scales. And what happened to ‘Mere Yaar’?? They ditched it at the last minute!

To Kyra – its an interesting space. A very personal space. Not intended for such a loud act as the one we witnessed. Advaita’s act was suited more for an open air amphitheatre gig. Perhaps they should try an acoustic gig – that would be very, very interesting to watch.  Hear the silence between the music that is the music!

Photos coming soon! (And bootleg recordings :D )