People flocked to the Beach View park recently to listen to some really good music — underground band openers Nuts and Bolts’ act was heavily interspersed with covers of Strings and Bruno Mars while Overdose, an alternative, hard rock band, with Sherry Khattak (vocalist), Fahad and Sarim (lead and rhythm guitarist), Omair (bassist) and Bilalwal (drummer) kicked off with an original ditty Maro Na followed by a few covers of Sajjad Ali and Guns ‘n’ Roses. Billy X came as a surprise and he strolled on stage armed with two power-packed ditties in rap: Badshah and Juttni.

A crazy countdown by host Shahzad heralded Noori’s jumpstart gig, choosing an upbeat version of Peeli Patti aur Raja Jani and bringing ferocity on stage in no time at all. The crowd went crazy with back-to-back vintage hits Nishan, Sari Raat Jaga, Arzoo and Bol.

Over the years, the energy that powerhouse Noori triggers off in live acts warrants them serious acclaim, making them a force to reckon with. The band accredited it when the boys belted out the raucous Neend Aaye Na that brought the crowd to its feet.

Regardless of the praise that the band gets across the board, the specialty of Noori rests in the lyrical content of their songs that is believed to be the real energy booster for Pakistan’s youth and something that distinguishes the band among its contemporaries. The latent motivational message that Noori conveyed through their next number, Taroon Se Aagay, desires the youth to utilise their potential for the achievement of their pursuits and ideals. Blended with a patriotic vibe, Mere Loag came straight from the heart.

Till halfway through the night, Noori showed no signs of slowing down and the final set was an added nod to the hits. Displaying their frenetic energy and galvanising the audience’s mood with Rung Barse and Manwa Re, the band then took the event to triumphant moments and included the much-awaited, penultimate track of the gig, Suno ke Mein Hoon Jawan, that had the crowd on their feet yet again.

The show organised by Zabmun Society (Szabist) and Elixir Events was the best in sound management and visuals so far with the cherry on top being Gumby’s solo performance on the drums. Noori took the night to a pinnacle and nailed it with a brilliant fusion of the pop-folk version of Aik Alif.