Can't pick out which band you'd like to see most? Well, we're in the same boat. And while the most obvious answer is to stay through the entire festival, you still can't split yourself into five, and be at all the stages at the same time! So here's our pick of whom you absolutely cannot miss, from the entirely intriguing line-up at the Indie March 2016.
Colour Haze
Formed in 1994 in Munich, this band {comprising Stefan Koglek, Philipp Rasthofer and Manfred Merwald} is considered one of the founding fathers of the Stoner and Psychedelic rock genre. For those unfamiliar with this kind of music, Black Sabbath, The Jimi Hendrix Experience or Grand Funk Railroad are some other artistes who have influenced them, so they have a similar sound. With 10 albums to their credit, including the 2014 hit LP To the highest Gods we know, this is one act you absolutely have to watch.
65daysofstatic
Source: 65daysofstatic
Flying in all the way from Sheffield, England, this trio is a must-see for those who like instrumental rock. Some serious post and math rock at that, which is characterised by atypical rhythms dominated by the guitar and drums. And these lads, Joe Shrewsbury, Paul Wolinski, Rob Jones, Simon Wright all founding members too, take it to a whole new level. They’re a personal favourite as well having seen their stellar performance at the Reading Festival back in 2009. Keep an eye out for frontman Shrewsbury’s great showmanship and guitar tapping skills. We’re certainly 65Kids {that’s what their fans are called}.
Onra
Source: Onra
If you haven’t yet heard this Parisian’s music, you’re missing out. Born Arnaud Bernard, his sound is best described as hip-hop and electro with the heart of R‘n’B. Get ready for a roller coaster of a ride during this beatmaker’s performance as it swings from uptempo and trippy to lounge and ballad-esque, without dropping a beat.
The Manganiyar Seduction
Photo Credit: Sindbad Phgura
While this act has been seen multiple times in the city before, it’s folly to not include it on this top five list. Roysten Abel’s creations, this one features 40 Manganiyar artistes, originally from obscure villages in Rajasthan whose primary talent is music. From instruments like the sarangi and morchang to the double flute and khartal {almost like a clap board}, the set is inspired by the red-light district of Amsterdam, and is arranged so as to have individual cubicles light up while each musician performs his part. It really is an audio-visual marvel. Watch it!
Happy Meals
Perfect to create the festival atmosphere which dominated the 80s, this duo, from Scotland, will bring their happy vibe to the Indie March. Suzanne Rodden and Lewis Cook’s music is distinct and a bit hard to describe off the cuff. But think synthpop meets psychedelia meets disco with strains of rock too. You’ll be bouncing around to their tunes, and if you close your eyes, you’ll be taken back in time, when all that mattered was good music.
We feel bad to leave out any artiste/s but apart from these, if you’re pressed for time, do also try and watch aswekeepsearching, just back from their Russia tour, The F16s from Chennai, Pangea {progressive metal} from Mumbai and of course, the uber popular Skrat, also from Chennai but loved like homeboys right here in Bangalore.
Where: MoonGate – Events Venue, Ananda Rising Clouds Road, Chikkajala, behind Decathlon Anubhava, Airport Road, near Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering
When: Saturday, March 19 to Sunday, March 20, 3pm onwards
Contact: + 91 91085 54953
Price: Day passes are INR 1,699, and festival passes are INR 2,399 and INR 1,499 for students. Passes are available here.
Check out the event here.
Find them on Facebook here.
Check out their website here.
Featured image via: Onra