On a high note: Pepsi Battle Of the Band's Top 6
The first three episodes have so far showcased a glimpse of the amazing talent at hand this season.
(WebDesk) – Pakistan’s music scene just got a whole lot juicier with Pepsi Battle of The Bands making the headlines once again. The 3rd edition of the long-awaited show kicked off a couple of weeks back and in just three episodes has delivered a knockout blow to all those who were talking about the participant’s quality and music sense.
This time the show has introduced to the judging panel, members of Pakistan’s all-time favorite band ‘Strings’. The BOB has given itself a great makeover by introducing the duo of Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia also inducting former EP member, Ahmad Ali Butt as a co-host alongside famous Pakistani Actor Ayesha Omar.
Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia have been inducted in the coveted judges pannel. Photo: Pepsi
Not only this, but the three episodes have so far highlighted a glimpse of the amazing talent at hand this season. Before the competition moves further ahead to the business end, let us look at the top six bands that made their way to the knockout stage of the coveted competition.
Tamasha
Tamasha the band pose for a photograph. Photo: Pepsi
As the name of the band suggests, the boys from Karachi have literally taken the competition by storm and have thus far displayed Tamashas so crazy that the judges could not help but give two consecutive standing ovations in two episodes. Not only were the band’s on stage presence too hot to handle but lead singer Bilal’s vocals were so impressive that the judges were in awe of his impeccable talents. After witnessing Tamasha’s crazy rendition to Junoon’s Sajna, Fawad Khan said “You have made it back to the top of the list and Oh My God! You have gone through the roof!”
Xarb
Members of Xarb before their performance in the knockout round. Photo: Pepsi
The 5-piece band managed to win hearts of fans across the country with a couple of heartwarming performances in episodes 2 & 3 of the third edition of the Battle of The Bands. The Sufi inspired band covered two very difficult songs namely the Sabri Brothers’ Tashnagi and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Dam Mast Qalandar to impress the judges; one of which resulted in a standing ovation. Lead singer Qamar’s vocals are so powerful and intoxicating that people the audience are left enchanted every time the band takes the stage. Following Xarb’s fascinating performance in the latest episode, judge Bilal Maqsood said: “I can definitely see this band featuring as one of the finalists in this year’s competition.”
Kaghaz
Lead singer Amna singing "Disco Deewane". Photo: Pepsi
A band that features the only female contestant of the competition, Kaghaz, managed to woo the judges with their unique cover of Nazia Hasan’s Disco Deewane in the latest episode of the competition. The band made their way into the knockout rounds courtesy a relatively ‘dark’ performance. However, their rendition of Nazia Hasan’s original showcased the band’s versatility and vast musical range. Judge Faisal Kapadia was overly impressed by Kaghaz and said that their latest performance was “Perfect to the T”
Bayan
Azfarc and his band performing on stage. Photo: Pepsi
The 5-man band headed by vocalist Azfar managed to impress the judges and fans alike when they appeared for the first time in the qualifying rounds. After performing their original song “Farda”, Bayan eased into the top 8 of the competition but stumbled some time later when their rendition of “Intehaa e Shauq” wasn’t able to impress the judges. All the judges criticised the fact that Azfar was singing the song on a very low note. Bayan however, managed to scrape past the others and escape elimintation.
Déjà vu
Members of Deja Vu share a light moment before their performance. Photo: Pepsi
Having a different name and style isn’t just the selling point of this band but its tightness as a unit coupled with the lead Anil’s deep voice serves as a great mix for the band overall. The 5-piece band won the judges over with their performance in the very first round. Their rendition of EP’s “Bolo Bolo” impressed the judges to such an extent that Fawad said: “I think you should seriously consider changing your name to Déjà Blues”.
21 The Band
21 The Band pose for a photograph. Photo: Pepsi
21 The Band’s energy, versatility and punk rock display turned many heads when the trio performed their opening song “Taare”. “I just love you guys, thoroughly enjoyed the performance. You are very true to the genre of Punk Rock.” said Meesha Shafi. 21 however could not replicate their performance in the next round as they disappointed the judges. Thankfully, for their fans, he trio managed to escape elimination ultimately.
Both Sarmasta and Khamaaj failed to leave a good impression on the judges as the two bands were knocked out from the competition for good.
By: Raacikh Asghar
