I've wanted to write about this a while now. In gigs, you always see people who get excited when they hear a band covering Metallica, Pantera, Slayer etc. I'd like to see Indian bands that play more original comps. There are two sides to the issue actually. Firstly, you need a mature open minded audience that can appreciate original music. The second issue is that the music has to be ORIGINAL in order that the crowd likes it. For example, if you take Zero, you see that they have a very distinct sound to their music. You also see people asking for PSP 12, Old Man.., Christmas in July etc. You would also see most people sing along with the band. On the other hand, if you look at Sceptre's originals, it feels like you are listening to another run of the mill average thrash band. Its a totally different thing that the band can play Angel of Death or Reign in Blood note to note. I still feel that the Indian rock scene is in its very nascent stages. When will we see all original setlists at gigs? I don't see it happening in the near future.
Again, there are multiple sides to this issue. Firstly, bands that do create good original music move on to other stuff for lack of market/audience/sales/record label backing and other assorted shit. A band making a brilliant album might end up selling a few hundred copies. This again depends on whether the Indian rock fan base is loyal or not. If you heard a good album by an Indian band, would you buy it? Do you like any Indian band? If so, do you own their CD? Or are you happy listening to the mp3s on your computer? Secondly, Indian bands don't stick around for too long for some reason or the other. One needs time, patience and experience to write good music. And the ones that stick around for too long suck :) Some bands like Parikrama and Vayu that have existed forever and have yet been able to write just one or no decent song all their life. While I cannot claim to have heard all the bands in the Indian circuit, I've heard bands like Zero, TAAQ and Zebediah Plush that have written good "original" music. I have also heard some promising original singles from bands like Acrid Semblance and IIIrd Sovereign. Only time can tell us if they can actually come up with a good full length album. What is frustrating is that all this is a vicious circle. Bands might not even get gigs to play if they went with an all original setlist.
Lets just hope that the scene just gets better. I hope next time I go to a gig, I wont hear people shout Metaaalllica, Slayaaar and I also hope the bands play good originals. Vicious Circle you see..
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
well actually i was having the same discussion with zubin and he maintains that Parikrama actually has lots of good originals!!! I totally agree abt TAAQ...totally loved their numbers...a definite element of funk in their songs. Zebediah Plush on the other hand, I didn't find great. What do I mean by not great - When I listen to their songs, I am like ...Hmmm yeah nothing seems out of place but the final sound isn't great! I haven't heard vayu much...so can't say.
Bottomline: I totally agree with u that it is more than high time that desi people started focussing on making and listening to desi originals. Whatever happened to promotion of indie rock bands ? Why did we never borrow that from other music cultures
good point there about indie bands.. hope that the scene changes. and btw.. the Metal Observer, www.metal-observer.com (one of the best metal sites on the net) has reviewed Demonic Resurrection's latest album and gave a solid 9/10. DR is also the first Indian band to get reviewed on the site.. may be this is the start we;ve been waiting for.. lets see.
you can check out the review at http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=6&id=9317
well , things are chaniging man .... the point u said abt the bands not being together for a long time , i think is a main point here.... and the old bands surely suck .... i mean , i hate the fact that vayu , even after having talented ppl in the band , do an all cover set ... .and parikrama hav not yet released their album . But the recent breed of bands that are coming out , have their OCs right from the first gig .... and from wat i've seen , these singles are even famous in gigs .... the point of sceptre havng a very similar sound as to slayer is actually true ... these pppl dont even have their own tone .. must be using slayers patches ( or watever u say in guitar lang ... i dont know) ..... i think in 2-3 yrs , we will see some good music coming out. Naked earth the oldest metal band from mumbai , is working on their full length ... and its very technical in all depts. Lets hope they get a label to release their album soon.
and these days , i dont even feel like moshing ... cuz i hear the same songs everywhere .... the same covers being played...though i enjoy them , i jus stand and critically judge the band :P .... wat else can i do :)
i dont know why i am writing so much ... anyways gotta go for a swim now ... adios
mvikred
There's this upcoming Indian band called Why Not?!. The band has about 5 originals (all amazing) and never repeats their playlist. Personally, I think they're the best band on the planet. That's my humble opinion of course :P
Once all the members learn to play their instruments (esp the drummer, he sucks!), I'm sure this band is going to rock the planet!
Hey there is website called www.indianmusicrevolution.com This site is totally dedicated for Indian Rock and Metal music. Do try to add this web's link on your blog. Rock On.
www.indianbands.wordpress.com
www.mpmessiah.wordpress.com
Post a Comment