A metal song followed by a Hindustani number in the same set of original compositions by the band on stage — it may sound strange, but the way these Kochi guys make their sound work for them, is like a breath of fresh air at a time when we are still haunted by genre classification.

"It's almost like taking the listeners on a trip. We're influenced by progressive rock, metal and Carnatic and Hindustani music. I believe the diversity of our influences is our strength," says Sachin Rajeev, vocalist and songwriter of Chidakasha, a Kochi-based band making its Mumbai debut this week.

The band members met via a city musicians community called Showtime Kochi, and Sachin joined college friends Arjun Subrah (lead guitars), Rohit Sanjay (bass) and Dixon Dennis (drums) to form the four-piece. "I asked Arjun initially if he wanted to be a part of a new project I wanted to work on and then, Di­xon, who was already in five bands here, came on board as well," adds Sachin.