Media Magick

2nd Episode of Pepsi Battle Of The Bands Season 4 Reminds of Jawad Ahmad, Junoon & Vital Signs From 90’s

After the first episode of Pepsi Battle of the Bands season 4, the bar of expectations raised to a huge extent. With the second episode there are some mixed reviews which made the particular episode quite interesting. To be honest the second episode of Pepsi Battle of the Bands was almost like a mix plate which offered something of interest and likings to every kind of music listeners and lovers. The good thing is, what I liked in particular bands, jury members spotted almost the same in their music and vocals, so without a further delay let’s review the 2^nd episode of this musical battle.

The first song was by Kashmir titled “Bhaago” and it wasn’t impressive enough, as it didn’t offer good lyrics, rhythm was a little off, and it sounded too forceful. It sounded like a rushed composition and it offers no repeat value, and that in itself is a great low for any musician.

The second in line were E-Sharp with their “Oh Shabana” and OMG, I went back to Music Channel Charts days (i.e. 90’s) when we used to watch and listen to songs like Baaqi Sab Theek Hai by Jawad Ahmad and Ek Ghar Mein Thhi 2 Larkian . The entire feel of Oh Shaana is very peppy and foot tapping, one thing which most musicians don’t consider these days that is their songs are not easy to hum along with but ESharp’s Oh Shabana is perfect example of how simple and easy can still rule your hearts. It’s indeed the true face of Pakistani pop music that’s lost post mid-2000s.

After a fun filled Oh Shabana came Uraan with their melodious and soft “Khamoshi”. The start of the song was really good. The lead vocalist reminds of Junaid Jamshed (late) especially his initial albums. At higher pitch his voice gets similar to Bilal Maqsood’s from Sar Ki Hai Ye Pahaar days. All in all the band performed well and the lead vocalist has the ability to send his listeners to a different phase to relax.

Marjaan came with “Jhalleya” and they grabbed listeners’ attention from the very first note. They are so very confident and started off very well; another easy to hum along song although not in Urdu but very much engaging. The vocalist is super solid and he knows it.

Final performance was by Black Hour with “Doulat”; supremely great music, very upbeat, and the vocalist has that “Wow”-factor in his voice. He reminds of Ali Azmat from 90’s and I personally think if anyone else can do justice to Pappu Yaar by Junoon, Black Hour is the band hands down. Black Hour is loaded with brilliant pitch, fantastic musical score, class apart closing.

So, in totality the second episode of Pepsi Battle of the Bands season 4 is very entertaining, my personal pick of the lot from this season are Oh Shabana, Jhalleya and Doulat. Do share yours!