Just when I was about to get my mind off the rock band Mizmaar, I received an invite from the band’s lead guitarist, Kashan Admani, for a gig at a local café. The invite read: Live Fusion by Triad the band. I immediately inquired of Kashan about the fate of Mizmaar and was informed that Mizmaar has ceased to exist.

Instead, Kashan and Alfred D’Mello (drummer) have joined forces with Faisal Iqbal Khan (vocalist), the latter being the nephew of Bare Ghulam Ali Khan who brings to the table a whole new blend of East-meets-West fusion compositions.

Unlike many events in Karachi, the gig kicked off on time. Triad was joined by Bradley on bass, son of ex-Mizmaar bassist Russel Owen. The venue had a cozy ambience and the soft launch of the band got underway with Faisal’s heart-touching alaap delivery on Nusrat Fateh Ali’s cover, Tu Mera Dil.

For a trained classical singer, Faisal has quite an unusual appearance. Smartly dressed, he captured hearts with terrific vocal delivery. Triad’s debut original track, Tum Bin, ignited with an extended guitar streak was to be layered throughout the course of the track. The track also brought out the best in Faisal’s vocal.

Next up, Triad performed a rocked up version of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Kinna Sohna. Undoubtedly, the vocal delivery could be considered on a par with Rahat Fateh Ali and Shafqat Amanat Ali. The outro of the track was the most attention-grabbing. Easily the crowd-puller of the evening, some serious head-banging and whistling was spotted amongst the zealous attendees. Another original Punjabi number, Ki Haal Mera, went out to all those who understand the meaning of love. It was another strong ditty.

At this point Faisal took a break, giving an opportunity to drummer Alfred to showcase his vocal flair. He did so impeccably on The Police’s cover of Roxanne. Singing on the drum kit is a challenging task but Alfred’s show was immaculate.

The western mood continued with Kashan singing Sanatana’s Black Magic Woman. Kashan was in top form throughout the course of the gig while Alfred’s drum solo at the end of the track was a treat to witness. Another high-voltage cover was George Michael’s Faith. The manner in which Kashan played the long guitar outro was marvellous.

With Faisal back on the microphone, Triad performed a rock bhangra version of Gur Naalon Ishq Mitha. The catchiest part of the track was incorporation of the Mission Impossible guitar theme in it. Another original, Jo Hua So Hua, was up next. It’s always a good idea to mix classics and new songs together, and Faisal’s powerful vocals, Alfred’s virtuoso drumming and Kashan’s heavy guitar riffing made this song a real treat for the audience.

Sanu Ek Pal calmed down the proceedings with Faisal’s hypnotic voice. The evening came to a halt with yet another exhilarating performance of Lal Meri Pat.

Talking to Images on Sunday post-concert, an excited Kashan Admani said, “We will be doing pre-album performances during which we’ll probably let out some teasers from our yet-to-be released album, and create an appetite for what is to come in the months to follow.”

When asked when Triad’s debut album is to be released, he said, “We’re hoping to launch it by the beginning of next year.” — Shahzeb Sheikh