As the Cheapmunks appeared on the music scene last year, an aura of optimism spread: music pundits and fans alike hailed their unique style never heard before “east-meets-west house-pop.” No wonder then that their recent concert at Rooftop Bistro in Karachi was long-awaited.

After gaining popularity through an internet video on Facebook and acoustic gigs at cafes, this was the group’s first plugged concert. The music was slightly different from the usual; it was the first time house pop was introduced in Pakistan accompanied by live instruments. According to band member Hamza Quddusi, “This time we wanted to bring something new to the table … to show that we are more than just an acoustic act.”

The band’s lineup comprises talented vocalists Mehak Taherani and Suhana Baloch, Daniyal Pervaiz (guitars) and Hamza Quddusi (acoustics, turntables). Triad’s versatile drummer, Alfred d’Mello, accompanied them on drums while Shahid displayed his mettle on the tabla.

Music aficionados rushed to the venue and it was good to witness the chemistry between the band the crowd, especially Suhana who was quite interactive. She seemed motivated as she exchanged high-fives with hyped fans every now and then.

The band set the ball rolling with an amalgam of DJ Got Us Falling in Love and Jan-i-Jaan, Tick Tock Tonight and Jadu ka Chiragh. It was a tough job switching between two languages but the girls executed it flawlessly. Even better was O Hamdam/Oh My Gosh which pumped energy into the crowd. Sanu Ek Pal/I Got a Feeling was thoroughly enjoyable, especially the Punjabi bit.

Fire Burning/Aag De De provided an opportunity for Daniyal to portray his guitar-playing talent while Alfred was incredible on the drums.

On Club Can’t Handle Me/Pehlivaar, Hamza took over the turntables with three hip-hop break dancers on stage. Suhana also displayed her dance moves on the track. Next, soft, mellow chords opened Love the Way You Lie. As soon as the girls chanted Bewafa, the crowd went crazy as it’s one of their most famous performances.

The absolute highpoint of the gig appeared right at its tail-end: a live rendition of What’s my Name/Sheila/Abdul Kadir. Sheila came as a shocking surprise to all and while all was perfect on the band’s part, it was the awful sound system that nearly spoilt it for them.

Talking to Images on Sunday, Mehak and Suhana said, “It wasn’t what we were expecting, but we had a lot of fun as the crowd was great and interactive. This was our first plugged concert so mess ups were bound to happen, but we promise you the next concert will be four times better than this one.” — Shahzeb Shaikh