A high-bass battle to represent Bangalore

Three bands got the crowd going in their own distinct styles

Bangalore bands fighting it out for a chance to play on the same stage as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — the stakes were high at Hard Rock Rising, a “global battle of the bands”, held at Hard Rock Café recently.

On stage in the finals for the Bangalore edition were Mad Orange Fireworks, Solder and 83 mph. They had made it so far in a process that was kicked off at the start of the year, following an online poll, panel discussion and qualifying rounds where they had the likes of Pushing Tin, Innate Propensity, Divine Raaga, Public Issue, De'Sat and Buffer Zone for competition.

Energetic

83 mph, a six-piece hard rock outfit where one of the members even plays a keytar, started things off at the venue that was soon filling up. The band wasted no time in turning up their gain and delivering energetic and conventional hard rock songs. They were egged on by an audience that stood riveted to their performance, pumping their fists and yelling out their support on cue.

A different vibe

The next band on stage was Mad Orange Fireworks, who had a completely different vibe. The crowd that had been fired up was now treated to some relaxed, eased out, funky tunes. The band handled with élan the irony of singing a song about how they can't dance, while at the same time, at the kick of the chorus, busting out some really funny dance moves. Even those in the crowd with two left feet began to groove, as the audience sang along with the band. The sound at the venue, however, was patchy. But the band was tight and they pulled through just fine.

The last act of the day was Solder, with their feel-good rock and roll. The sound was now proving to be a hindrance, and the space and setup didn't help. Yet, the band played with zest, putting smiles on the faces of the people there.

Unfortunately, the show seemed to end too early as the bands were not given too much time to play.

Winners are expected to be announced soon. They will compete at the national level, the winners of which will represent the country in the worldwide showdown, culminating in the chance to play at Hard Rock London later this year.

Siddarth, vocalist of Solder, said winning this competition would mean the world to them, as they could spread their music and message on a global platform.