If you missed out on the ‘70s disco boom, NCPA’s Experimental Theatre was the place to be on 21^st September, 2025 as the venue featured Bangalore-based, eight-member band, Juxtaposed, in a musical night of soul…in more ways than one.

With a line-up consisting of leader-bassist Osi Gomango, along with Jaime Dudley (drums), Joshua Pereira (keyboards), Joshua Ashish (guitar), Anto Kamal BoB (percussion), Aakarsh Paul (vocals), Tiara Abigail (vocals), and Kezia Ahaana (vocals), the band that was formed in March 2024, ran across genres cutting into funk, R&B, and soul with the 16-song setlist including originals as well as groove-infused covers.

Commencing the night’s events with Girl, the uptempo selections of the setlist also encompassed songs from the band’s impressive ‘Bounce EP’ released in November last year – such as the striking Moving On, the remarkable ode to Earth Wind & Fire with their very own funk-filled September, and the notable Evolution, along with tracks like the vocal harmony-opening Hold On, Only You, and the quick-paced Going Home.

While one admires Juxtaposed in providing opportunities to several guest artists to perform with them – including Tejas Menon on ‘Wine, Sampritii and Marcelo on Time Won’t Wait, and Adil Manuel on Only You, it was very evident that, by the time the concert ended with an encore of Bruno Mars’ Treasure, the band by itself had proved to be tight enough to have showcased their talent independently without any support or covers.

Impressive among the multitude of talents was, of course, composer-lyricist Osi Gomango whose antecedents include being a founding member of popular Kolkata-based rock/pop band Krosswindz, keyboardist Joshua Pereira providing the befitting sax sounds where required, and Tiara Abigail’s breathy, seductive voice providing lush soulfulness.

It was an inspiring debut performance in Mumbai from Juxtaposed that effectively showcased the band’s trademark sound consisting of smooth melodies and suave rhythms. An encore is awaited.

Reviewed by Parag Kamani

Parag Kamani has been part of the media and entertainment industry across 35 years, having worked for licensors such as Warner Music and EMI/Virgin in music, as well as Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, and Paramount Pictures in the field of films. Parag continues pursuing his passion as a profession.