It is often difficult to call someone a 'pioneer' without sounding clichéd. But if the Indian rock scene can be called pioneered by anyone, that distinction should rightfully go to Indus Creed. And when Rock Machine started calling themselves Indus Creed, we thought they were nuts. Two albums already as Rock Machine, this was a stupid move, according to me. But with the release of Indus Creed, the band showed that the change was not merely a change of name. Listen to the album and u will know what I mean, a total change into a fresh, new sound. Recorded and mixed in Los Angeles , it really has some slick production. It also sees the band bidding goodbye to their dated '80s pop-rock style and shifting to a more wholesome modern rock genre that blends Indian instruments and vibes and which impact goes way beyond the cosmetic.

They start off from where they ended in Pretty Child in the Second Coming. Pretty Child finds a place in this album too, rightfully. The album goes thru a gamut of themes, as evidenced by songs like Trapped, New Day, and Cry. Evidence of their refined use of Indian percussion can be found in the opening track Trapped, which begins with a tabla groove overlaid with acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies and seamlessly progresses into some tightly constructed hard rock riffing. The tabla is also used as an ideal percussive foil for the drums on Book of dreams, with the instruments complimenting each other fully without treading on each other's toes.  

Sleep takes a look at a lifetime in these trying times… The neon dreams have died away, And all that's left are shades of gray. Classy lyrics, to say the least. The song begins with some very precise guitar work and features Mark Selwyn's sliding bass lines He does get some good presence on Pretty child. In songs like Celibate and Thrown It All Away they also show some lovely tempo changes, soft portions change gears and move into heavy choruses with brilliant effect. The sarangi is also used to great effect on the bridge of this song as the song mellows down after its intense guitar build-up. Srikanth Sriram, with his tabla, bamboo flute and wood blocks is deadly in Trapped.

The brilliant blending of tabla, drums and guitars give a heavy feel to the mostly acoustic Fly along with the delicate acoustic guitar picking, which is again beautifully evident in Cry too. This song features Balaporia's beautiful keyboard work while his Hammond organ lends a classic rock touch to the humour-laden Best friend. And ofcourse, Pretty Child, the song that took them to the top of the billboard asian video awards (or was it MTV?!) in 1993.

Indus Creed has really matured as musicians. The playing is really restrained, no blazing, extended solos or show off keyboard passages. Uday Benegal's voice is smooth and blends in beautifully, a much better effort than on Rock & Roll Renegade or The Second Coming. He does not try too hard, finding an easy range in which his oft-overlooked vox really shine. The intensity of Celibate, a dark story of sexual abuse and revenge, is enhanced by Benegal's brilliant vocals. Some great guitar work here by the two stalwarts. Tinaikar's solo on Sleep is restrained and melodic, while on Celibate, he lets things go and picks up some speed. Excellent backing vocals, great drum and bass work.

The band deals with varied themes on the album, ranging from philosophical musings about time and immortality to bawdy humour. They have matured as lyricists and songwriters who have created a distinct mood of Indianness on the album, without abandoning their well-entrenched hard rock roots. The vibes are Indian regardless of whether Indian instruments are being used. Their fusion does not sound like a compromise, but like a natural extension of their sound.

Indus Creed remains a bench mark in the history of Indian rock, and provides bands with an inspiration to discover and develop their own sound by merging their culture and their musical influences without sounding pretentious. They show us that its not just about throwing a few tabla beats in. A great album by India 's pioneering rock act. Pity they left soon after.