The ambience was unlike those of any rock concert held across the world. Quiet, slow and no ruckus by the fans. As the clock ticked 7pm the lights were set, the crowd began to settle down. But to one's dismay something was missing, the band, The Down Troddence itself. Were they unaware of all that was taking place within the premises of the event?
The concert by the popular Rock Band The Down Troddence (a.k.a TDT) was held at CUSAT, Kalamassery, on Saturday was an interesting display of how artistes stood by the age old saying "The show must go on." The band is a six piece Folk - Thrash Metal Band hailing from Kannur, Kerala. The event was conducted by YAWP, an NGO that works towards Environmental and Civil Rights, in association with AIESEC.
The show commenced with a performance by the band Prophets of Yaweh. No, we were not talking about Bon Jovi. But it was the beginning of a longer heading -banging and roaring session. Nonetheless, the people loved it and so did the musicians.
TDT was the highlight of the evening. The music was truly an interesting blend of Thrash metal and folk. Not to mention the remarkably high levels of energy displayed by the musicians and the fans. As the band had rightfully pointed out, the tracks were 'inspired' by other popular bands like Avial.
Unlike some groups, this band did not appear to be bent upon promoting a particular member of the band. Rather everybody seemed to have passed on the energy hidden within them throughout the performance, thereby, resulting in louder roars, faster drum beats and intense slapping of the strings. One could say that band had truly made up for those long hours of waiting and absolute lack of organization throughout the event.
Apart from the interaction between the artistes and the audience, the rest continued to be a mystery at TDT's concert. Making the experience rather incomplete.
Let us be honest. Any stage performance is a combination of a variety of aspects. This includes an audience - organizer interaction prior to the show, interaction between the artistes and the audience and also fill-in performances or gigs that could keep the crowds engaged until everything is ready.
Despite a rather small audience, the band did strike a personal chord with those present. For over an hour, head-banging was more than a mere drill, it was the mantra for anyone who wanted to soak themselves in voices that spoke of rebel and fighting back. Interestingly! The audiences did fight back too! With hand-horns in the air and crowds wooing in excitement it was obvious that there was more to music than the right ambiance.
All in all, Rock music does have a long way to go in Kerala. May be there will be a day when rapid rhythms and loud encores echo in the ears of those who get to the beat.