Pepsi Battle of the Bands is synonymous with giving budding underground musicians a chance to sprout into mainstream music — especially after the success of eP and Aaroh in the past cycles and the very trip Kashmir in the last season. Struggling musicians who were previously trying to play odd gigs or sharing their music on Soundcloud and such, finally made it to the centerstage and the music, oh my God, the music.
This week’s episode of Pepsi Battle of the Bands featured some more auditions and the coveted top 8 were announced. Here are all the bands that made the cut:
1. Kaghaz
The lead singer made it to auditions a day after her walima, while the mehndi on her hands hasn’t even faded. Performing the vocally challenging Taara Jala, Kaghaz managed to make the Ali Azmat’s song their very own. And as if that wasn’t enough, Meesha even gave the vocalist a “boss girl” pin. SoOoO…that’s a stamp of approval right there.
2. Bayaan
When the lead singer Asfar says “fana hayah fana” my heart basically just…skips a beat. It also helps that he’s very easy on the eyes but let’s focus on just the vocals and musical side of things. *ahem* yummy *ahem*
Favorite lyrics to their original: Tareekiyon mein jo dooba hai ghar, subha ki loh bhi jalay gi magar…
Me: *melts*
3. Xarb
By choosing Tashnagi by Sabri Brothers, Xarb already had their work cut out for them. But, man, did they carry those high notes, signed, sealed and delivered. We want more.
4. Tamasha
All the way from Karachi, Tamasha got a nod pretty early on from Fawad Khan in particular so it came as no surprise that the band got through to the top 8 after that smashing “Raag Neela” cover. Theatrics included.
5. Deja Vu
The very groovy, the uber bluesy cool dudes made it to the top, but of course. With the jazzy “Bolo Bolo” by Sajjad Ali as their canvas, they truly painted their original funk all over the cover.
6. Sarmasta
Another original this season and oh my heart – the vocals, the lyrics, the percussions, everything was spot on. It’s always a
Favorite lyrics to their original: Dunya begaani aidi rehi na nishani ay, chal chadd bandiya nadani yeh
7. Twenty one (21)
They claimed to be a Punk Rock band and stayed true to that claim by playing original “Taare” in the auditions.
8. Khamaaj
Double whammy vocalists are the strength of the band – with “Chimta”
A little upset that Dhool didn’t make it — we were vouching for them pretty hard. But oh, well. There’s always next year. What did you think about the episode? Did your favorite bands make it? Let us know in the comments section below.
This post has been sponsored by Pepsi Pakistan.