October 2010 Vol:1 Issue:8

Harisankar ADesign EngineerCosmic Circuits.

Rahul Rajan Systems Engineer Nvidia

Motherjane unplugged at Kyra“Music is by far the best and purest form of Drug”

WWith a motto, uncommon to rock bands, motherjane had been setting the Indian rock scene on fire since 1996. Formed as a progressive rock band in Cochin in 1996, the band consists of Suraj(vocalist), Baiju(Lead Guitar), Deepu(Rhythm Guitar), Clyde(Bass Guitar) and John(Drums). motherjane has reeleased two albums -- Insane Biography and Maktub -- to much critical acclaim. The band was voted as the Best Act in Asia at the 2010 AVIMA Awards. A frequent headliner for college rock festivals, mothherjane also had the privilege for opening for international bands like Opeth, Megadeth and Machine Head. The band and its music is one of the widely recognised ones all over India and has developed a cult following among its fans.

After almost an year, motherjane played at Bangalore on October 15th at Kyra Pub, Domlur. As a cherry to the topping, they were playing “unplugged”. Acoustic guitars replaced metal madness and within the dim lightings of Kyra, the well known band began to transform the crowd into a frenzy. Having seen motherjane for the first time for The Great Indian October Fest of 2009, it was with great expectation that we went for the show. We -- consisted of the maniacal janiac Harisankar along with others including Cyriac, Rathin, Thejus, Arun SM, Ravi, Cijo, Nitin, Geevar and Rahul.

The band started off with the acoustic version of Disillusioned, one of the popular tracks from Insane Biography.After setting the stage the band played a good setlist consisting of a mix of songs from both Maktub and Insane Biography. The experience was refreshing with the crowd slowly warming up to the acoustic versions of their famous numbers. Suraj was as always messmerizing -- allowing, pushing the crowd to blend into the show. Baiju stole the show with his fast fingers running up and down the guitar. Deepu provided the rhythms with precision backing up Suraj and Baiju. Clyde, “the smiling Buddha” of the band, inspite of a head splitting migraine deelivered his usual best. The surprise element was John, who in response to the crowd requests played a solo on the drums.

Motherjane performed with faces unpainted, dressed in different colours, instead of their usual uniform black. There were quite a large number of janiacs among the crowd, some of them who had come with half Kathakali faces. The crowd chanted with Suraj singing aloud acclaimed tracks such as Maya, Questions, Broken, Blood in the Apple, Maktub, Karmic Steps, Before One Million Comes, Ssh.. Listen, Soul Corporations, Chasing the Sun and Mindstreet. There were reepeated calls for “Jihad”, the new track based on the OST of Prithviraj starrer Anwar, but Suraj poolitely declined. However the unceasing calls for Metal Mataram was awarded. Baiju broke into a magical solo and the crowd went berserk. Though not as good as on a metal guitar, Baiju delivvered a commendable best.

The band rounded up the show with a repeat of Mindstreet. but the 150 odd janiacs were not sattisfied and began to call out “John... John...”. John smiled one of his rare smiles and performed with the drums. After the show was over, there were requests for photographs and autographs. The members agreed and almost everyone had a memento to show off of the memorable night.

Thejus Krishna Zynga &Mathew J Musigma

Trip details:

GokarnaLocation: Uthara Kannada - 492km from Bangalore, 240km from Mangalore

Why Gokarna?4 beaches separated by rocky mountains/hills.Temples + Trekking + Beach + Sea food + Chicks! + Shacks

DetailsDetailsOm beach - The main one with the bigger crowd. Got a lot of shacks along the beach where you can get cheap stay.Kudle beach - Good places to stay and good (expensive) food. Lesser crowd here. Also the only proper hotel there (Gokarna International) is here.

There are no roads to both the beaches. No option but to trek along some paths cut into the There are no roads to both the beaches. No option but to trek along some paths cut into the hills. Getting there at night is a very bad idea. You wot be able to find your way to the beach in the dark and will end up staying somewhere away from the beach. Plan so that you reach the place while there is still daylight.Best thing about the place is the fact that most of the place is simply undeBest thing about the place is the fact that most of the place is simply under-developed. Noone to tell you what is what and where to go. Its all upto you to explore. There are trekking paths that lead you from on beach to another, but its mostly upto you to make your own. (basically good chance that you get lost in the forest. Like we did :D). Food is good (maybe a bit heavy on your pocket). Overall nice place to visit for people who are fed up of the regular crowded tourists locations.

Route we travelled:Bangalore- Hassan - BeluBangalore- Hassan - Belur- Chikmagalur(Mullayangiri, Kemmangundi, Kalhatti Falls, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary) - Shimoga, Gokarna

Gokarna

Dhoni, Please send Sachin to this Side

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