Five point someones

It’s a good time for independent bands — reality shows, live concerts and music festivals — it’s all happening. Here are five that are drumming up a storm...

Swarathma
This Bangalore-based band released their first official album last year and got a great response for it. They have been touring all over since then, including Singapore, Thailand and London and have 20-25 gigs slated in the UK this year. It would be interesting to see where they take their folk-rock brand of music from here. “I was impressed with their work. They are the most promising band around. They are not only good musicians but also a great live act. They’ve a got a unique look and feel about them,” says Bobby Talwar, ex-Zero band member and founder of Counter Culture records.
 
Reverse Polarity
They are one of the youngest bands to have earned such popularity based solely on their performance on Channel V’s Launch Pad. They surprised everyone with their mature performances and very soon their first album will be out. Gaurav Kataria’s strong vocals and Shikhar Manchanda’s fresh song-writing can earn this heavy metal band a lot more fans in the coming year.

Kendraka
Kendraka has many experienced Bengali musicians like Mainak who has worked extensively as a globe-trotting bass player, Kolkata-venteran drummer Sanjay Gupta and a relatively new guitarist Bodhisattwa Ghosh. But this new band has impressed with their sparkling live performances and they could go a long way with their interesting jazz, blues, RnB and rock mix.
 
Rosemary
This three-piece progressive-psychedelic rock band is slated to come out with their six-track EP this year. Their interesting production and arrangements have made them a band to watch out for. “They are very raw but if they continue growing they’ll be superb,” says Talwar.
 
Faridkot
It’s been touted as one of the most promising Hindi rock bands around. They have been favourites at college festivals, but are touted to get bigger if they grow together as a band. Music composer Vishal Dadlani has been vouching for this band and he thinks their tracks have the potential to be popular all over the country. Subir Malik of Parikrama says, “I watched them at a concert in Delhi and I liked their music. They are very promising.”