Hook'ed' to Zero

Though after a long time after its release, let’s rethink over what probably is the most influential album on the Indian Rock scene, released by the Mumbai band, ‘Zero’ – ‘Hook’.

First and foremost, I am still unable to decide the genre of this album. Some songs resemble to alternative rock, some can be considered to be ‘funk’ and some, to my surprise, take us straight into the world of Hard Rock. Nonetheless, the album is melodiously memorable and is according to me, one of the finest creations ever in the history of Indian Rock.

‘Hook’ starts off with ‘Not My Kind of Girl’; a song that will take you to the days when you fought with your ex and realized that she`s just not made for you. It is one of those few songs in the album that has meaningful lyrics. Then you encounter ‘Lost’ that again has some captivating leads played by arguably the best guitarist in India, Warren Mendonsa. ‘Lost’ offers melody, though the lyrics are unclear and mostly senseless. Then come the two instrumentals ‘Spitleaf’ & ‘Christmas in July’, that linger for a long time in your senses. ‘Spitleaf’ is beautiful with almost all the credit going to Warren, whereas the drummer makes his presence felt with some euphonious drumming along with the fast guitar leads by Warren in ‘Christmas in July’.

‘PSP 12’ remains as the best song in the album having to face some tough competition from ‘Not My Kind of Girl’. ‘Psp 12’ is a truly amazing track that rocks every part of your body. Rajeev shows his flamboyance in vocals and Warren shows his sheer class.

‘Lucy’ comes your way with some fluent changes in the song that can be remembered for its vocal and guitar change - overs.

‘Lijo’ remains the worst song of the album, though not being too bad. It has some Jazz influence on it but the song doesn’t create a great impact on the listener. ‘Not My Kind of Girl - Reprise’ shows some impeccable vocal talents of the drummer Siddharth and I have to mention that Warren rocks once again in catching up with the mood of the song.

In short, ‘Hook’ comes out as a fantastic album that can be heard repeatedly in peace and solace, memorizing the unforgettable teens that you have lived. Warren Mendonsa`s guitar leads are strikingly brilliant, Rajeev`s vocals are skillful & Siddharth`s drumming skills are appreciable. The only flaw in the album is its largely senseless lyrics but many other things make up for them, introducing an excellent album from a talented, Mumbai based Indian band – ‘Zero’.

- Mihir Chitre
mihirmumbaikar@gmail.com