Rocking in the spirit of independence

Clockwise: Bands Aurthohin, Lalon, Warfaze and Black perform at the concert. Photo Courtesy: Reefatul Karim

Joy has walked all the way from Karwan Bazar. News of the major gig, titled "Shadhinotar Shure Gaibo Mora", had reached this seven-year-old boy as well. And why not? Not only were the popular bands like Warfaze, Black, Aurthohin, Shironamhin, Lalon and Mechanix were performing but the occasion was special too -- Independence Day. One can say it's celebrating the spirit of the day with a new sound and attitude. The response from the crowd was remarkable, especially noting the fact that how excited and proud they all were proclaiming, "We are Bangladeshis" to electric guitar. Other bands that performed were Mohakaal, Kral, Funeral Anthem and Art of Ruin.
The first on stage was Art of Ruin. The young band certainly picked up the nodes and the antinodes. It was a lovely, sunny day on March 26. The venue was Kalabagan Krira Chakra Club. By 2:30 pm, the crowd had already begun to gather. Funeral Anthem was on stage next with a medley of covers: "Hotasha" (Warfaze), "Phiriye Dao" (Miles), "Jala Jala" (Miles), "Moharaj" (Warfaze), "Rupbaan" (Mila), "Mela-e Jaire" (Feedback), "Sultana Bibiyana" (Nogorbaul), "Hoi Hoi Kando" (Nogorbaul), "Bangladesh" (Azam Khan), "Koshto Petey Bhalobashi" (LRB), "Nihshongota" (Souls), "Onnoshomoy" (Artcell), "Tumi Ki Shara Dibe" (Black) and "Chaite Paro" (Aurthohin).
The glare of the sun had simmered down and it seemed the mood of the audience had also mellowed as Mohakaal's Turjo, Shondhi, Riyadh, Swagata and Iqbal came next, beginning with an electrifying instrumental of "Dhono Dhanney Pushpey Bhora". They sang "Bondhu" from "Rock 202" album and also performed "Kuasha-e Dhaka", "Bhalo Achhi Bhalo Theko" and some more all-time hits. In the middle of hardcore rock and metal, the touch of alternative provided some variety.
Mechanix took the stage, beginning with their upcoming album's title track "Oporajeyo". All members of the band were wearing black t-shirts with the Bangladeshi flag in the middle. The vocalist was wearing green and red. Thousands sang "Bangladesh" with the band.
As the night settled in, a different ambiance took over. People wanted to sway, move, and dance. Of course certain people were already dancing around, and the organisers had to announce, “Please dance in a corner. We want to celebrate the day, not cause problems.”
Lalon worked the crowd with their spiritual songs and rocking beats. "Ami Opar Hoye" seemingly moved the audience and the raw energy of "Ek Chokhe Hason Kandey" was much admired.
Black performed next. A guitar solo and Tony's magical touch on the drums made the audience go wild. As Jon spoke to the audience, Jahan and Shagor took their positions -- Black was ready to roll. They first performed "Question mark" -- a song marking the special day. Black wrapped up their powerful performance with "Tumi Ki Shara Dibe".
The last three acts were Shironamhin, Aurthohin and Warfaze. At this point, the venue was about to explode with rock fanatics crowding in from far and wide. Shironamhin played 10 songs, including "Bhalobasha Megh" and "Bondho Janala". Zia from the band said, "It's really awesome to be here; the crowd is great!" Oni Hassan of Warfaze agreed: "The crowd was huge and wild and awesome!" Warfaze brought the house down with "Moharaj", "Hotasha", "Oshamajik", "Joto Durey" and many more.
The event was organised by Drishtipat Communications and sponsored by Sajeeb Group.