Written by: Sadeem Shaikh
Posted on: January 19, 2016 | 
| 中文
Natasha Noorani (L) & Zahra Paracha (R)
Contrary to its name, this experimental venture consists of two music loving females: vocalist Natasha Noorani and guitarist Zahra Paracha. Having recently graduated from LUMS with degrees in Political Science and Sociology-Anthropology respectively, Noorani and Paracha were quite active in the Music Society of LUMS. The band mostly does covers of both Western and Eastern musicians, but occasionally blends in some original funky note-by-note rhythms, thanks to Paracha’s outstanding skills with the fretboard.
Sattar Buksh is a social hotspot in the Defence area of Karachi, ideal for casual gigs and late night hangouts. Scheduled to present an hour-long live show for the second time in their short yet eventful career, the Biryani Bros showed up with minimal gear (one guitar!) at the venue. After a 10-minute long sound check, the duo kicked off with an exemplary version of Phil Collin’s 1989 hit, Another Day in Paradise. Noorani’s brilliant vocals complemented Paracha’s mastery over what seemed like an embellished four-chord arrangement.
The audience mainly comprised family and close friends, perhaps making it all the more comfortable for the performers. However, what made the set feel much more “at home” was the casual delivery of the set list by the band. The duo went on with their 8-song set list, eventually taking on Noori’s Saari Raat. This one produced quite an enthusiastic response from the audience, who were captivated by the unique and exciting covers throughout the evening. The duo also managed to squeeze in an original track, titled Ikiswi Sadi (21st century), which they had worked on for a Lahore-based underground band named Sikandar ka Mandar.
Biryani Bros has also worked on a fantastic rendition of Thinking Heart, originally by Poor Rich Boy, which is available on their SoundCloud page. This one comes highly recommended! While the future of this unique duo is unpredictable, their work will always be about a pure, unadulterated love for music, and is most certainly worth checking out.
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