Scintillating Xarb emerge as finalists of the Pepsi Battle of the Bands
Xarb has impressed one and all since day one of the battle of the bands.
(WebDesk) – One of the few bands that has continued to impress the judges as well as the music lovers all over Pakistan has been none other than Xarb. The band that identifies itself as humble students of the Sufi Rock genre continues to raise eyebrows with hair raising performances courtesy lead singer, Qamar Parvi’s amazingly intoxicating vocals.
Since day one, Qamar Parvi has impressed everyone with his unique vocals. Photo: Twitter
Ever since the band stepped onto the stage, the judges knew that they meant business. Starting off with a beautifully dark cover of the Sabri Brother’s “Tashnagi”, Xarb made their presence felt and in the process made it to the qualifying rounds. Ever since that performance, the boys from Lahore have never looked back and have continued to impress with five star performances that also included standing ovations from the star-studded judges of the Pepsi Battle of The Bands.
Also Read: On a high note: Pepsi Battle Of the Band‘s Top 6
The latest episode saw Xarb put up an extremely strong performance, easing past Tamasha and 21 – The Band to book a place in the final of the competition along with the other finalist, Bayaan.
Xarb have made it to the final where they will face off against Bayaan for a chance to claimed as ‘Pakistan’s Best Band’. Photo: Pepsi
Before the final takes place, let us have a look at where Xarb currently stands and what chances do they have of claiming the all-important title of Pakistan’s best band.
Strongest Performance
Xarb rocked the stage, forcing all four of the judges to give a standing ovation, when the band pulled off one of the most difficult covers of all time. Xarb managed to impress the judges with their rendition of Nusrat fateh Ali Khan’s “Dam Mast Qalandar”.
The choice of song was not only clever but the band managed to tick all the boxes with the performance mainly because Qamar Parvi’s uniquely heavy vocals were perfectly suited for the song. The performance also indicated how comfortable Xarb actually were when covering a Qawwali mainly because of their Sufi identity.
Interestingly, Xarb displayed shades of Badnaam in that specific performance, winning hearts of many music lovers across the country
Weakest Performance
Xarb rarely disappoint but on one such occasion they did show off the fact that the boys from Lahore are only human. Xarb’s cover of “Wattan Ki Mitti” wasn’t powerful enough to convince the judges and hence led the band into the danger zone of the Independence Day special episode.
The overall structure of the song was weak and Qamar ‘The Saaien Ghunghru’ Parvi’s vocals did not suit the song. Hence, it can be said that the choice of song was a bit off
In his remarks, judge Bilal Maqsood rightly pointed out: “This song has always reduced me to tears because of the emotional and patriotic element attached to it but somehow today it wasn’t there. This is mainly because this specific melody demands a vastly different chordal arrangement that we weren’t able to see here today.”
Fan Favorite
Qamar’s impeccable vocals stole the show in the very first audition when Xarb performed the Sabri Brother’s “Tashnagi”. The tonal fusion of the drums, the base as well as the electric guitar was on point and led the judges into nothing but applauding the performance.
What was most impressive were the high notes that Qamar pulled off so perfectly.
A minute and fifteen seconds into the song, the lines “Ya Khuda Aaj Baras Jaaye Ghataaon Say Sharaab, Iss Tarhaan Jhoom Ke Saawan Ka Maheena Aaye” coming out of Qamar’s mouth were enough to truly put his listeners into a deep trance
The Band Evolves
Ever since the start of the show, the judges and fans alike feared and criticised the fact that even though Xarb was killing it with their impressive performances, the band was becoming monotonous.
Hence, to survive in the competition, the boys had to adapt quickly and show off their versatility, if they had any that is.
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The band managed to widen their musical range, impressing the judges in the process. Photo: Instagram
Like all great units, Xarb carefully listened to the critique and acted quickly. Xarb’s performances of ‘Sohni Dharti’, “Deewaar” and “Jhaanjhar Di Pawan Chakar” were representations of the fact that the band members were not only quick and keen learners but also they were in it to win it. All these songs showed different sides of Xarb. One showing off their patriotic side, the other displaying gloom whilst the latter highlighting shades of funk.
Like all great bands of the past, Xarb found out quickly that in order to progress further and further, they needed to spread their wings, giving their most solid performances in the process.
The Final Awaits
The final of the Pepsi Battle of The Bands will feature both Xarb and Bayaan, the two most competitive and strongest bands in the competition for obvious reasons.
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Xarb and Bayaan will give it their all in the final of the Pepsi Battle of The Bands. Photo: File
However, if Xarb are to claim the coveted title, they would have to be vary of Bayaan’s strength that is giving solid performances under pressure. Pressure situations are tailor made for a band like Bayaan so Xarb must come up with their strongest performance yet.
There can be two sides to Xarb’s chances, all depending on their performance on the night of course.
Firstly, the band could stick to their comfort zone of Sufi Rock and pull off yet another strong performance or the boys could take a huge risk and step out of the box to sweep the judges off their feet
What the band chooses to do will depend on the final episode’s theme but one thing is certain; by any means, it won’t be easy.
By: Raacikh Asghar
