The concert kicked off with 90 Degrees. Though a relatively unknown band, the members of the group should be commended for performing whilst the organisers were still trying to work out the sound check. This didn't bode well for 90 Degree's performance as the sound was all over the place during its performance. However, the band deserved an A for effort as not that many bands can pull off a decent cover of Sajjad Ali's songs (including Sajjad Ali's own cover of Didi by Khaled, Babiya).

Also, it wasn't just the sound check that wasn't in favor of 90 Degrees, crowds gathered slowly at their own time at the same time being completely oblivious to the band's performance. As for the performance itself, keeping the sound check snafu aside, 90 Degrees does show potential and promise. All it needs is persistence and better opportunities to perform.

Aunty Disco Project was up next. To say that the band has had an eventful year is an understatement. After the departure of Imran Lodhi in 2008, the band parted ways with drummer Omar Khalid (amicably) recently but at the same time, the band gained three new members and a drastic new approach to music. Rahayl Sidikey, Ali Alam and most recently their new drummer Giles Goveas are all part of the band and their contributions/sound does leave a distinct departure from the ADP people knew. The once-hardcore underground band with its own unique purist sound was now easing up to sound of commercialism — albeit on its own terms.

ADP kicked off the show with its magnum opus, Sultanat. A song that has evolved as the band has, however, it remains their signature tune and a distinct crowd favourite. Likhta Nahin Mein and Raat Jaga were next, both songs in a rather quick succession. The sound reflected a much hungrier ADP eager to have the crowd's attention no matter what. Finally, just when the pace was set high, ADP pulled back a notch for the slow and melancholy song that is Nazar.

Things picked up again with Jaane Wale and Hum Na Rahein by now the crowd was really getting into the performance. A particular note to Jaane Wale, a song from its upcoming album that showcased a much more upbeat approach to music if compared to the likes of Sultanat and Nazar, even though most of the songs were already quite upbeat from before. Coalescing around the stage, ADP certainly had their attention.

The band closed its set with Mujhe Sahara Do, another oldie that had been revamped. The band that performed that night was most certainly a brand new ADP and if this gig is an example, or taste if you will, of things to be expected from their new album, then it is definitely an album to watch out for.

Finally, we come to the headliners, JoSH. Roop and Q have graced the shores of this coastal city quite often. They were part of the recent Coke Studio and have always had memorable gigs here. This show appeared no less, the moment JoSH took stage there was a surge in the crowd. Everybody who hadn't joined in whilst 90 Degrees or ADP performed, came rushing forward to greet the band onstage. It wasn't just their musical performances that had the crowd going, their interaction with the crowd was on another level entirely. Roop and Q both took turns speaking/interacting with the crowd, so much so to have a playful competition between the two of them, just to see who would get the crowd worked up better. JoSH performed Kabhi Kabhi, Mausam, Sauda, Mahi Ve, Khaike Paan Banaras Wala and a host of other songs. However, a particularly touching moment occurred in the concert when Q took a moment to reflect that he was in fact performing in a very special city; his birthplace. He also dedicated the concert to his mother, who was also present backstage.

Finally, the night was complete. The organisers of the show, Studio Maxx Presentations and a popular watch manufacturer, had managed the show reasonably. The security was excessive but not overbearing. The concert wasn't on time, but it wasn't drastically late either.

A pleasant gig with some great performances, a couple more of these and the Karachi concert scene will be right back on track.