AGNEE

"Oh...that Spitsvilla wala Band !", said the bitch, with an evident expression in her eyes, seeking praises from me for having been able to recognise an Indian Band.

"Yes", I replied, with in-evident sarcasm, and un-expressed  depression !

But then, why am I calling my friend's girlfriend a bitch? What's her fault?
I am sure 99% of Indian chicks would rather go mad those wannabe,semi-naked dudes on TV than for the most gifted magicians/musicians of the land.

Yes. Thus is the state of our country that a band of Agnee's stature is recognised primarily because one of their compositions featured in one of those cheesy shows. However, till we all have brains, so be it.

Agnee have to their name, some great numbers like Kabira, Kaise Ho Tum, Yahien, Keh lene Do, Aanhatein...the list is endless. They have recently taken their music to the next spiritual level, by letting various emerging artists compose with them. This, they've done through the 'Create with Agnee' initiative, supported by Radio Mirchi.

Their first album, a self titled one, created new waves in the Indian Hindi Rock scene and has inspired many to believe that the Indian National Language is worth trying with this genre. Hats off !

This band, which has rocked many stages with Hrishi on drums, Michel on keys, the bassist Among, Mohan on vocals and Koco on lead guitars, will soon be heard trying a different ball game once again, with the movie 'Gulaab Gang' that will have 'Music: Agnee' in their credits. That's in lines with the 'Create with Agnee' drive, bdw.

So, keep two things in mind. One, MagiK (from the movie,Rock On) are not the band that brought in Hindi Rock into the scene. Two, 'The Splitsvilla Song' (most people feel ashamed to call it 'Aahatein', probably) is not the only song that these people have composed.

Thank You very Much.

Peace.

JUNKYARD GROOVE

"Laydeez and Giantalmans...and those who are still confused about it..... Welcome to Junkyard Groove !!!"
This band taught me how to dance !

No. I still can't move my limbs all that well, but the inner cells have got trained, somehow. If ever I have been addicted to any band in the past one year, it's been this. Amazingly refreshing sound that just gets stuck up there into your greys. Thats Junkyard for you !

This Alternative Rock Band from Chennai (my city, I dare say !) seems to be making their music keeping me in mind. I somehow love all their songs. But, hang on, that's exactly how all their fans think. They just connect. Incredibly.

You can't complain about them ever. Compositions, live gigs,planned/unplanned bak***di on stage...they've mastered it all ! With Ameeth on vocals, Naveen on guitars, Sajit on bass and Hudstin on drums, they form a core that just wont 'Let you go' !

Though that Indian touch seems to be missing in most of their composition, barring that legendary start to 'Been so Long', you would still return home more than just 'Happy to be an Indian' when you get back from their gig. And ya, let me warn you...you might go through a terrible phase in life at some point, if you have dreams of buying Ameeth's acoustic guitar someday. I don't see him selling it away to anyone ever. You might take a chance with his ghost though !

Enough of reading this bullshit. I have to 'Say Goodbye'...Now, just f*** off and listen to Alt.Rock.Funk.

P.S. Chennai Rocks !!! :)

Peace.

MOTHERJANE

You wake up. You dream through the day, for the night. You land up there for that live gig !
...and what do you take back? Just goosebumps !!!
Isn't that like 'cheating'?

" I believe in Jihad, if love is the weapon', they say in one of their singles. They have their own ways....crazy ways. They have painted half their faces, compared themselves to Ramayana characters and have redefined Carnatic music. But, we still don't know them...and why should we? They don't make the pop numbers that we like !

They miss Baiju, I'm sure. He is arguably the best guitarist Asia has ever seen....but hang on...how often has Asia seen him? You might have, if you've gone around in the best of fests across the globe, but how many times has the media made an effort to tell Indians that... "Hey, here's someone you must know!" They might have, if only Mika hadn't kissed that bitch in some party the other night.

John and Rozario saw that dream. Suraj voiced their opinion and Baiju took them to the hearts of many, though they deserved many more.

Motherjane. Prog Rock. Kerala. Respect.

Peace.

P A R I K R A M A

They are a bunch of mad people !

Even worse, for the past twenty years of Pure F***in' Rock, they have spread that madness across. Across the globe. I can bet they don't breathe much, coz I don't see too much of a breathing space between 2 6 0 0 shows in the past twenty years.

I wish the June 17, 1991 had never happened. I wish Subir and Nitin were never born in the same family. I wish Nitin never met Chintan; and India would have been a peaceful country, still happy listening to lovely romantic numbers like 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai'.

I wish India remained happy with the remixes by t-series. I wish the Rock scene never took off. I wish it all remained dry, But it Rained !

But, to be fair to them, it's not really their fault. People can't really help but go mad, when they get to hear traces of Floyd and the Doors, blended with that Indian touch. The crowd doesn't really have much of an option, but to loose it when 'the big fat magician' plays those solos. Sonam, die. But, the band still isn't happy. They want it to go worse; and Imraan steps in with the violin.

"It's supposed to be played slower, buddy"...but he won't listen.

The hatelist isn't over ladies and gentlemen. Nitin sure deserves a stick for that voice that's caused so many break-ups. Subir, for looking like some foreigner. Mike Portnoy, eh? You are not even a drummer, boss. A keyboardist doesn't have to look like that or play at that speed. It isn't no race out there. Got it?

In short, I hate the band to the core; and pray that the likes of Altaf Raja and Himesh rule my motherland again.

Peace.