A rock music show is an experience in itself. But, when there is something new added to rock, it becomes a night you just cannot forget for a long long while. The show, Kochi Rock On is something that will remain with me for a while.
The show, conducted by JT PAC on May 1 at the Gokulam Park Inn situated in Ernakulam, featured Aathma, Agam, Mother Jane, Thaikkudam Bridge and Avial.
As the crowds began to gather, it was interesting to see how the audiences had divided themselves into two distinct groups. One group held on to their seats while the other preferred to be on their toes.
The show was opened by Bengaluru based band Aathma with two Hindi compositions showcasing 'Fun Rock' in the best manner. This is was soon followed by a Malayalam composition titled 'Oru Moham'.
The members of this band hail from Christ College, Bengaluru. They have performed in over 40 shows over the past one year. Anto Philip, one of the band's guitarists, said, "We started as a college band. Today, we are what we are. But we still have a long way to go. The experience at Kochi Rock On has been great."
The band also featured Rahul Joshua Thomas on the trumpet.
The audience who were quite impassive for the first half of the performance decided to shake off the lethargy and shake a leg with the performers when the band played "Mysore Mango, one of their most popular songs. This song saw the each member of the band dancing around the stage and having a good time. More importantly, the audience decided to join in the fun! The encores never ended and many continued to jump up and about during the song.
A few minutes later, the crowds witnessed yet another genre of Rock music. This time the songs had a unique blend of folk and Carnatic music. It was not long before the 'Men in Black' took centre stage and began singing the song titled 'Brahma's Dance.' Agam, an award winning Carnatic Progressive Rock music band, hails from Bengaluru. The band was an example of how sometimes combining a bubble and book could lead to more work wonders.
Popular Carnatic music compositions combined with the notes of rock music “that called for a loud round of applause. The members have been friend's since college. While Harish hails from Shornur, in Kerala, the rest of the members belong to Bengaluru. The band has been performing for over five years. Then again, none of them are full-time musicians. Each member of Agam are IT or marketing professionals.
The band set out singing the Thillana which was originally composed by Swathi Thirunal in the Raga Dhanashree. This was followed by the Swans of the Saraswati.
The finale of the performance saw massive applaud from the audience. As the band had indulged themselves and the audiences with the rendering of 'The Boat Song' there seemed to be craving for more. Rudra, one of their most popular song, stole many a hearts with its peppy beats and high energy levels.
Interestingly, except for the Harish the band's vocalist, none of the other members have been trained in Carnatic music. "I can only sing Carnatic music. I think I can perform classic compositions decently too,' said Harish in a jovial manner.
So, how do they go about composing their songs? "We have recorded only 15 songs in five years. Most of the time the compositions are a matter of hit and miss. But some work out and we are able to make sense of the way the songs sound. It is different and the people like it," explained Harish.
Well, there is a lot more that meets the eye. Music re-defines the term vast. Indeed there is a lot to be explored and understood. But these bands have made a promising beginning towards a musical future.