I would like to have a small discussion on the two, much anticipated bangla rock album by Cactus and Fossils. Read somewhere that it is not correct to compare bands. I have to disagree. I feel to rank is natural, it helps us decide better. Heard both the albums and I have this to say - both have pushed the boundaries of rock music being done in Kolkata. Both the albums are miles and miles ahead and superior to the first set of bangla rock albums that the city had heard in the early 90's. These new albums can be sold in any international market to an international audience. But that's about where all similarities end. Fossils's 4th album is a class act but it fails to live up to the expectations set by F2 ( I don't think F3 was anything to write home about). A theme album hardly wins any brownie points in my book. The issue with fossils, I feel is that it has become a reflection of Rupam's counter views of life. In a way it's not a celebration but a sad commentary on negativity. It's loud and almost raw in energy. True that's what a rock album at the end of the day should be but it has become predictable, we know what to expect from Rupam, we don't have any expectation from Fossils as a band. Rupam has become larger than the band and it is now showing on the bands overall output. The first Fossils album and also the 2nd album, were in my opinion path breaking albums. Cannot say the same about the 3rd and the 4th album. It's going down hill.
On the other hand Blah Blah Blah brings in a whiff of fresh air with its tight arrangement, new sounds, easy listening lyrics and packs a solid rock punch. One also needs to remember that some of the songs had to be re-recorded as Pota left and Dibyendu had to replace him. What works in Cactus' favour is the fact that we do not know what to expect and hence are always taken by surprise. Lot of people are too busy writing off this veteran band but each time they manage to pull off a classic (much like U2). The new guitar sound which reminds us of Tom Morello and exquisite bass work is an added bonus for listeners. The album is certainly not without flaws and I would dare say that Dibyendu's voice is not exactly that of a rock front man. Neither was Pota's but he was unique.
So my vote is with Cactus in this round. The bangla rock scene has surely come alive with the rivalry that is quite evident and in a way good, as it pushes each band to give its best... The winner is always the listeners and fans!
On the other hand Blah Blah Blah brings in a whiff of fresh air with its tight arrangement, new sounds, easy listening lyrics and packs a solid rock punch. One also needs to remember that some of the songs had to be re-recorded as Pota left and Dibyendu had to replace him. What works in Cactus' favour is the fact that we do not know what to expect and hence are always taken by surprise. Lot of people are too busy writing off this veteran band but each time they manage to pull off a classic (much like U2). The new guitar sound which reminds us of Tom Morello and exquisite bass work is an added bonus for listeners. The album is certainly not without flaws and I would dare say that Dibyendu's voice is not exactly that of a rock front man. Neither was Pota's but he was unique.
So my vote is with Cactus in this round. The bangla rock scene has surely come alive with the rivalry that is quite evident and in a way good, as it pushes each band to give its best... The winner is always the listeners and fans!
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