I have not been this impressed by a new Indian band’s music since The Superfuzz (now known as Indigo Children). The Supersonics played a full set of original music at the Hard Rock Cafe last night to a Tuesday night crowd of not more than 50 people, and thoroughly engaged.
The Supersonics haven’t really ‘broken’ the scene yet, and frankly, it’s a surprise that they aren’t talked about in the same breath as Indigo Children (formerly known as The Superfuzz). The foursome from Kolkata have a refreshing sound and some exciting original music, and if you’re still at home tonight, you should head to the Blue Frog to watch them there.
Head downstairs for the full review, pics and the Indiecision.
Surprisingly, the gig started nearly on time, even though Hard Rock Cafe was only about half full (no problem getting a table, and the silence between songs meant that people who’d had too much too drink sounded loud and stupid). Also surprising was the sound at the venue which was far better than most of the gigs that happen there.
The Supersonics’ sound is a mix of early-’90s Britpop and mid-’00s Brit rock. Think Oasis meets Pulp meets Blur meets Franz Ferdinand meets The Wombats (equals The Strokes with Paul Thomson on drums). Rhythm heavy melodies with mid-song tempo changes and a driving bass line all combined to create one of the most refreshing live sounds of the year so far.
Ananda Sen on vocals puts on a baritone that’s definitely not his natural voice, but fits perfectly with the music his band plays. He’s not very talkative as a vocalist, but as with the rest of the band, seems to enjoy being on stage. Particular props to Rohan Ganguli (guitar) whose backing vocals, which should’ve been mixed just a little higher, added a ‘fullness’ to the band’s sound.
The band didn’t introduce most of their songs (something that Indian bands need to do) but I do know they played ‘In Memory Of’ (on their MySpace), ‘Hey Aloha’ and ‘Yeah Whatever’. They played over 20 thoroughly entertaining originals, and it’s surprising they don’t have any published material out. The sound didn’t falter the entire set (apart from a few seconds of feedback near the end) and neither did the band. The only reason they don’t get an A is that after about an hour, the songs got a wee bit repetitive. Still, they threw in enough to leave the few at the venue satisfied.
Maby Baking, their debut album, is one of the few Indian releases I’m really looking forward to.
Indiecision: A-
6 Comments
wont be going to the frog tonight. wish i were. great to hear this sound in this country. you’re right, i’m surprised they haven’t got the attention some far less deserving bands have. thought their compositions were very mature. not flashy, not artsy fartsy. good old fashioned 21st century rock and roll.
the vocalist is great, that baritone is a perfect mockery of life and everything after. the band seems to have a whole lot of fun on stage and i like their guitarist. i didn’t think the songs got repetitive, but i wish it had been a non food venue. i think the ambience got me impatient after a bit.
kill the frog supersonics.
cheers!
arun s.
Hard Rock gets that way. But then on Tuesday nights, most venues do. Can’t beat the Appletinis though.
Hey Arjun after reading your review here, I feel so bad about missing their live performances at both HRC & Blue Frog…….& you are so right that this talented band will most certainly appeal to all those who swear by BritPop (One of my fave) & the contemporary post-punk outfits coming out in loads these days.
The free-flowing track “In Memory Of” reminded me so much of the Supergrass’ pattern in parts. Ananda Sen’ vox gives this one a nice indie vibe…..just the way i like “Robert Pollard” on ‘Guided By Voices’ & “Stephen Malkmus” on ‘Pavement’. I would love to play the track at House/Terrace Parties :)
I’m a BIG fan of COGNAC(Now inactive, Which the guitarist – ‘Rohan’ was a part of!) & SPAN. Both from Calcutta. SUPERSONICS sound quite promising.
well i am from kolkata and these are 4 experienced guys having played for countless acts that have hit national at some point of time or other.And its time they made it to the scene.
Keep hitting Indiecision for some exclusive stuff with The Supersonics, including an interview and some great music.
The album is ready i hear from reliable sources…im sure it will be the best!
5 Trackbacks
[...] phone Ananda Sen (vocals, guitar) a day after his band has played a short, two-gig tour of Mumbai. Hard Rock Cafe and the Blue Frog were treated to sets of The Supersonics’ brand of garage-y, [...]
[...] the best sound out of Hard Rock Cafe’s particularly reverb heavy walls all this year. With over 90 minutes of fresh new music, the band thoroughly engaged a sparse Tuesday night audience. We have not been [...]
[...] week was a monster gig week. The Supersonics kicked things off with a killer set at Hard Rock Cafe. This was followed by Ashutosh Phatak’s consecutive [...]
[...] gig schedule for the week got off to a killer start with The Supersonics set at Hard Rock Cafe on Tuesday. Thursday’s gig was a free entry affair at the Blue Frog, though the average age of the crowd [...]
[...] rock act The Supersonics‘ gig at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai last year was one of our favourite performances of 2008. Their music is refreshing and makes no bones about [...]