grueling weeks of hard rock action, the last 2 bands took up stage to perform in front of a packed audience. As usual judges were Amit Saigal (RSJ), Luke Kenny (Channel V), Gino Banks (Helga's Funk Kitchen) and the original grand daddy Farhad Wadia (extreme left in the picture). Farhad has a long association with Indian Rock, being the founder of the cult Independence Rock 21 years back. He set the standard for Indian Rock. It was good to see him up there in the panel
rap-rock. They looked a tad uncomfortable and as the judges pointed out, came across more as a school band rather than a rock band, which was a little harsh considering that this is a pretty big competition for them. They started off with their version of Bob Marley's Stand Up, which was just about OK. They followed it up with a mix of covers and originals. They need to work more on their sound and stage presence. Also their vocalist needs to work on his handling of the microphone. They got a lot of potential and they just need to concentrate more on original music and build a good sound
contemporary rock in the format of Linking Park and Distrurbed (they even started their set with a Disturbed number). Heavy guitar riffs over the DJ's electronic samples with the bassist and drummer providing a solid rhythm, gives a very crunchy melodic sound. It was an energetic performance leaving both the crowds and the judges happy. They have a pretty good guitar player and their drummer was also excellent. They just need to work more on creating original numbersThe format is simple. The Rock Street Journal (RSJ), in association with Channel V, has chosen
the current top 16 semi-pro bands in the country and invited them to perform live at the HRC in Mumbai. After four Saturdays of intense competition, the judges will finally identify the top 4 bands, who will then fight for top honors in one Mega Final Show. The judges panel consists of Luke Kenny (Channel V Programing Head), Amit Saigal (RSJ Founder, who was absent today) . Today's special jury members were jazz drummer Gino Banks (of Helga's Fun Castle, which was part of last year's Launchpad) and the two good men from Bombay Black, Naresh & Paresh Kamath
I have been following the rock scene across the country for quite sometime and it is really heartening to note that despite the negativity and almost zero commercial success associated with rock music here, it is still very much alive and kicking. In fact, Indian bands now-a-days are more open to experimentation and they are playing a lot more originals. Most bands have now stopped playing covers and the audience also seem to appreciate originals much more now. In short, Indian Rock is happening!
Cutting the chase, the first band to take up stage was Span from Kolkata. Span are a motley group of musicians and as they explained, the diversity of musical tastes and ages in the band led them to call themselves as Span. They played a complete original set. It was a rocking
performance, with a special mention of their vocalist and frontman Neel. Musically they were perfect note to note. They classified their music as Alternative Rock and a lot of influences ranging from U2, The Police, jazz, rock 'n roll to Coldplay were visible in their music. The only aspect of their performance which they would do well to improve would be their stage presence. Musically they are as tight as Beni's leather spandex pants (a friend of mine who has saved a pair from his bikes 'n heavy metal days in Shillong ), but if I check out a band playing good original music, I would like them to talk to me about their music or at least “rock” with me. This point,when brought up by the judges, Span replied that since they had limited time, they didn't talk much about their songs. That is understandable, but I would still like to see these Bangla Rockers “rock” a little bit more.
Next to take center stage was one of my favorite bands in India, The Superfuzz. 
Combine Greenday, The Ramones, Nirvana and Blink 182 with dollops of attitude, and you will have The Superfuzz brand of Indian punk music. I have watched these kids grow up, right from the time I first saw them perform at IITD couple of years back when they were still in school. They might have grown a little more facial hair, but the brashness and uncompromising attitude in their music is still intact and my love affair with them continues. Wicked fuzz and distortion tones, meaty bass lines, intelligent drumming, numerous tempo changes and some high pitch singing into the microphones make the Superfuzz sound come alive.
There is not much variety in their music, which anyway is not the highlight in the punk genre which is all about attitude. Their songs usually last around 2-3 minutes each and they don't bother to talk much during the show. This was pointed out by Luke Kenny, to which lead vocalist/guitarist Sanchal countered by saying that their audience doesn't care about what the name of the song was or why they wrote it. They just want to rock to their music. When it was time to perform the encore, Luke announced “... OK here is another nameless song from The Superfuzz”. Sanchal then casually goes to the microphone and blurts out the name of the song and starts the riff. Kenny boy, you've just been Punked!
The last item for the evening was the Bombay Black guys doing an impromptu jam session up on stage. Just check out the video.
PS: I won't be able to cover next Saturday's bands as I will be in Bangalore, covering the BIG one, Aerosmith Live @ the Palace Grounds, Bangalore on the 2nd of June 2007!!!! I will try to post whatever media I can, but since I won't be allowed to carry any equipment inside the venue, I won't promise you much :). Oh.. and please click on the google ad below :D
